The Marietta journal. (Marietta, Ga.) 1918-1944, 1921-07-21
Harding'S Plan for Armament
Reduction Conference Is
Well Received.
INVITED NATIONS ACCEPT
Pacific and Far East Problems Also
Will Be Discussed-lrish Peace
Meetings Begin - President
Asks Senate to Defer Sol
dier Bonus Bill.
BY EDWARD W. PIckARD.

The United States last week resumed
its leadership Of international affairs,
and President Harding's world policy
unfolded In way that leads his warm
supporters to believe his plans for an
association Of nations to preserve the
peace of the world are on the eve of
fultillment.- This comes about through
the Presidents Invitation to Great
Britain, France, Italy and Japan to
send representatives to dIsarma-
ment reduction conference in Wash
ingtOn, and his suggestion that the
meeting, if held, also undertake a set
Element of the Pacific and Far Eastern
problems, China being asked to par
ticlpate in that part of the confer
ence
OF course, the invitation was infOr-
nal in nature, but the nations named
have received it with acclaim, and all
have signifled their willingness to ac-
cept the formal invitation when 1t is
issued. so it may be considered GER
tain that the conference will be
held probably In the coming autumn
or possibly early next year. All the
world is evincing intense interest In
the plan, and certain of the lesser pow
ers are eager to take part in the great
conference. That the discussion will
not be limited to the subjects men
Toned is almost beyond doubt, and
there is reason to believe that the as
SociatiOn of nations with which Pres
ident Harding hopes to supplant the
League Of Nations will be born at
the Washington conference.
Not only did the President forestaII
the action Of congress, which was
passing finally on the naval bill con-
tanning the Borak amendment asking
me President to negotiate a naval hOl-
lday with Great Britain and Japan
ne also went further than BOrah and
his followers desired and brOadened
the proposition to include land arm
aments. 1t was feared by many that
Italy, and especially France, would
refuse to reduce their military
strength. France feels that she must
oe guaranteed against another attack
W Germany, and Italy's main
strength is her army. BOrah and
o'hers thought the inclusion of land
ornaments might defeat the whole
pan, but the administration thinks
+ 'Aelr fears are grOundless and that an
/ agreement for naval reduction may be
reached if the question of reducing.
armies Is found embarrassing. Indeed,
'lle governments of France and Italy
we're as prompt as that of Great Britain.
70 accept Mr.. Harding's invitation.
CN4haS approval of the plan. came
next and Japan, after carefully com
SlaellAg the Far Eastern phase of the
matter, instructed its embassy at
washington, to- accept so FIR as
S''aaa4eht reduction is concerned.
bofone President Harding issued the
@'oflAll Invitations, the leading states
men OF Great Britain were consulted
~ Ambassador Harvey and also by
III Nicholas Murray Butler, who was
exported to be unofficially assisting
W. Harvey in the matter. 1t is said
,ney informed Washington of the
genealogical moment for taking ac-
ron' Then Doctor Butler went to
"llS and talked with French leaders,
s"u Told correspondents that Presi-
o Millerand was highly enthusiastic
De-, the American plan. French and
r, statesmen agree with me that
t,' esiuent Harding's proposal marks a
s nnins point In the history Of the
"T,io' said Doctor Butler.
''luier Lloyd Georges announce