The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1921-11-11
HARDING CERTAIN
RESULTS TO COME
FROM CONFERENCE
BY HUGH w. ROBERTS
Washington Bureau, The Age Heral
k0O David qon Hutfd

DuN OdflusOn AhAlutnAs
Washington, November 10.-(Spe-
cial.)-There is nothing more certain
than that despite usual popular skep-
ticiSnr, the principal delegates to the
conference for the limitation of arma-
ment are hopeful if not reasonably
certain that practical benefit will re-
suit.
There is an element of pessimism
in the national capital The non
employment conference met and ad-
journed without having had visible
effect on, the unemployment situa-
ton. 1t is said that the disarma-
ment conference will end likewise,
But II that is the melancholy result.
the diplomats themselves are badly
deceived today,
This bureau learns today that Pres
ident Harding feels certain that good
results will obtain. In the begin
ming. he was fearful lest the people
would expect too much. So he de-
clared that disarmament entire was
an idle dream. But 1t is known that
he has displayed unusual optimism
when with American delegates and
others in high authority. The Ameri-
can delegation is optimisto. One of
the delegates in conversation with
this correspondent today said that he
believed that the differences in the
American, Japanese and British pro-
posals, all of which will be submitted
during the first week of the confer
ence. would be amicably and with
reasonable rapidity adjusted.
Aristide BRAND. the brilliant French
premier, has talked with newspaper
men in candor, absolutely at vari-
ance with conventional conception of
European diplomacy. 1t is true that
he spoke of the necessity of France
looking out for its own protection.
But he added that France would go
to any intelligent length to bring
about an agreement whereby the ma
lions would abridge their programme
providing for naval construction. He
spoke of the national debt of France,
and the heavy taxation which French
men must bear. He left no doubt
that France will go into any arrange
snent just so France is promised. for
mally or informally, that If 1t is ever
again assailed by an hereditary enemy
it will be given the succor of Its
hereditary allies.
Lord Lee of the British delegation
declared that Great Britain would
welcome an intelligent means of re-
ducing It's naval expenditures. He
compared the situation confronting
the nations to a man confronted by
the apparent necessity of death. Ii
such a man had an opportunity to
avoid dying, he would grasp it quick
ly, he said. 1t was gathered that II
Great Britain is shown a method
whereby It can cut Its overwhelming
burden of debt and expenses, Great
Britain would Instantly accept such
a method
That an agreement will be reached
regarding disarmament, every dele
gate believes, according to his ex-
preston to newspaper correspond
ents. And today. General Pershlng,
who will act as one of the advisers
to the American delegation. declared
a positive conviction that success
would attend the effort of the nations
to get from under a death dealing
load.
In comparison with disarmament
the far eastern problems are pro
digious. The task is this: The United
States and Great Britain must de-
clare a policy regarding the orient
which will be acceptable to Japan
and to China.
There are those so seriously. IL not
pessimistically. inclined as to believe
that unless such a policy can be pro-
mulgated and accepted war eventual
ly will result.