The New York herald., 1921-12-30

why Snouid we give tnougnt 10 nOlu-
ing another under less auspicious con-
ditions? OF course It is always possible
that there may be a change of view
point on the part OF any nation that
defeats a desirable reform. If there
should come a time when such
change OF sentiment occurs, we might
consider the matter. but at the present
time it would be fatuous to do so.'
Recalls White House Views.
That statement. coming, as said. from
one of the highest officials of the Gov
ernment, was coupled with the opinion
recently expressed at the White House
regarding the probability of confer
ence to assist in stabilizing European
economic conditions. The purport Of
that opinion was that until the Euro
pean countries had adopted a definite
program OF genuinely reconstructive
character it would be impolitic for
the United States to assume the lead
ership in proposing an international
gathering to consider ways and means.
The White House statement assumed
great importance to-day, although at
the time it was made it was regarded
as merely rejecting view covering
world affairs generally.
Ii the French representatives dis
cerned any change in the hitherto
congenial atmosphere at Washington
because of the action of their Gov
ernment in summarily ending discus
sion of submarine armament limita-
tion they did not reflect 1t in their
| IN n mi, r.
the Root proposal to provide new laws
FOR the regulation of undersea craft.
The attitude of the French dele
gates was that of gentlemen who had
carried out the instructions of their
Government and that the matter did
not call for explanation from them
other than that made when its de-
cision was presented to the conference.
The relations between the French dele
gates and their associates represent
ing other countries were officially most
amiable.
The utmost care was observed by
these associates in their personal re-
lations with their French conferees.
The latter made 1t clear, however, that
they did not expect any change in the
/
and gave no encouragement to friends
VINO suggested the possibility of an
agreement between Premier Lloyd
George Of Great Britain and NJ Bri-
and. the French Premier, at the con-
ference which is scheduled for next
week at Cannes.
The fact was the French delegates
gave the impression that they re-
Earded the submarine issue as a mat
ter that had been disposed Of to the
satisfaction of their own Government
and that there was nothing more to
say about 1t. They did not appear to
think this decision would be permitted
to exercise any influence over other
conference undertakings relating to
the capital ship program and Far
Eastern problems that still await at
tention.
Regarded ms Closed.
That also was the official attitude Of
delegates from other countries. They
likewise regarded the questions relat-
ing to auxiliary craft and submarine
limitations as finally closed. There
fore they proceeded with the utmost
good nature to cooperate with their
French associates in disposing Of the
events that await attention.
The immediate proposals following
adjustment of the American PROPOSE
ton to provide laws for regulation Of
submarine warfare are four in num-
her. The first is the resolution intro
duced by Lord Lee of the British dele
CATION placing 10000 ton limit on
the size of all naval vessels except
capital ships and air craft carriers and
that no gun with a caliber larger than
eight inches be carried on them.
The second proposal, offered by the
United States, Is that the tonnage OF
air craft carriers be limited to $4,000
for the United States and Great Brit
ain, 10000 for Japan, $4,000 each for
France and Italy, respectively. the
United States stipulating that vessels
of this type be limited to $4,000 tons.
The third proposal, also of Ameri-
can origin, is that armaments OF capi-
tai ships be limited to 16 inch guns.
The fourth suggestion. offered by the
French, is that authority be given to
them to begin the construction of cap
ital ships for replacement In 1897. II
this plan is adopted 1t will compel a
rearrangement of the terms OF the
agreement providing for ten year
naval holiday. The French sugges-
ton in all probability will be vigor-
ously opposed.
| The American delegates tonight
| declined to discuss the duration or re-
suit of the discussions regarding the
remaining naval problems to be
solved. They were equally reluctant
| in speculating as to the probable date
of the next public session. The spokes-
man for the American representatives
said that no public session will prob
ably be held before next week and the
| exact date of it would depend entirely
| on whether an agreement can be
reached regarding the naval program
as "A whole.
! He did not appear TO think there
was any possibility of the pending dis
cussions affecting the capital ship
agreement, signed by the United
| States. Great Britain and Japan and
accepted by France and italy. He ex-
pressed the opinion that the details
relating to the capital ship structure
could be arranged without further dis
turbance OF the ratios. The opinion
also prevailed among the British and
Japanese delegates.
| II was particularly pronounced to-
pioht following tha two sessions of