Evening star., 1921-12-31
NEW SUBMARINE
PARLEY EXPECTED
Limitation of Operations May
Be Object of Calling of
Separate Meeting.
BY n. O. MESSENGER.

1t was indicated in authoritative
official quarters today that a move
ment is under consideration the OBJ
ject of which will be the calling of a
conference of world powers to limit
the operations of submarines in war
fare.
This proposition would not restrict
the tonnage, but would relate entire
ly to the use to which submarines
would be put.
The ultimate effect, of course, would
be to outlaw the submarine as an ag-
gressive agency of warfare against
merchant and passenger shipping. 1t
was said to be the hope of high -ad-
ministrative officials to wind up the
present conference with a proposal
such as the one outlined, which, if
accepted, would be regarded by the
world as contributing to the success
of the present undertaking..
While the fact that the arms confer
ence. now rapidly drawing to a close,
cannot be recorded as 100 per cent sue
cessful will give ground for many to
say. Il told you so," the administration
will be able to point out that warning
was given in advance against expect
ing perfection in achievement.
President Harding and Secretary
Hughes. it is claimed. may. therefore.
be permitted to say, I'VE told you So"
but will also find cause for sincere
qualification in a partial need of sue
cess and individuality in the right to
assert in truth that a new pace has
been set in world affairs-demonstra-
tion of the possibility of the nations
meeting in friendly accord to discuss
their differences.
Forward Step Taken.
1t is prophesied in conference circles
that after the first keen disappoint-
ment over the extent of naval limita-
ton has passed tn. public will come
to appraise the value of what has been
done and realize that long step for
ward has actually been taken.
1t is believed that when the loose
ends Of the conference still remaining
are caught up the appraisal of the net
result will set a higher figure than now
seems to be presented in the midst
of the disappointment over certain
hoped might be adjusted.
The basis of agreement having been
laid. 1T now remains for the confer
ence to assemble the points into the
drafts of treaties to carry into effect
the understandings reached. This will
prove a work of detail not unattended
with tedium but presenting no seri-
Gus difficulties, 1t Is thought.
End in January Seen.
1t is thought this will be speedily
brought to conclusion, and it is not
improbable that the great body of the
delegates will have departed from
Washington by the middle Of January.
Some subcommittee will be left in
charge of minor branches of research
1t is noted as curious commentary
upon the conference that two nations
which presumably were not regarded
as closely in accord have been brought
to a better state of feeling and mutual
understanding of each other-Japan
and the United States; while on the
other hand France and the United
States, supposed to be as close as two
peas in a pod, find they have been
armament and military preparations
French Stand Regretted.
That a keen sense of regret will be
entertained by the American people
at Frances inability to go along with
the spirit of naval Limitation ruling
the majority of the conference is un-
questionable. 1t is said. Back of that,
however. Is seen the fact of the ex-
istence throughout the past of warm
feelings of regard between the peo-
pies of the two republics, and 1t re-
mains to be seen to what extent there
NAV he n reaction in fhfs rountrv