The Washington herald., 1921-10-23

French, prsmier's speech at St
Nazaire is only the latest, have
served to demonstrate how mis-
taken was the American conception
that the Washington conference
would be able to avoid the Euro
pean complications which centereo
about the Paris conference ana
from the American point OF view
resulted in substantial shipwreck
Of all the high hopes entertained
for that gathering.
There was a hope, a belief that
the discussion of the question OF
disarmament and the problems OF
the Pacific could and would be
separated from the entanglements
Of Europe. But IL is now quite
clear that Europe is resolved that
no such separation shall take place.
We have, in effect, invited Europe
with Japan, to a discussion OF those
questions which most Intimately
concern us. But Europe, in coming
Ito talk with US about our inter-
ests has plainly resolved to bring
is own along and invite our par
cipatiOn in their settlement.
European Questions Unavoidable
And thus there goes glimmering
he notion that isolation is posi-
e. We have, in fact, fled Europe
nd taken refuge not in the United
tates but rather in Asia, only to
nd Europe and its troubles facing
5 on the Asiatic mainland and In
pc mid-Pacific. Whether we like
or not we have to recognize once
Ir all that all the simple and easy
dance of the European snarls,
which we hoped for, has become i'm
l.essible. We are. in the broadcast
ssnse of the word. back in Paris.
Mr.. Harding will have to begin, IL
rot where Mr.. Wilson left of, some
thing back along the road.
And the fundamental problem
rich we have to face again is
',hcther we are prepared to go into
Partnership with the world. or with
certain nations in the world, or
"hetheT We are again going to at
Tempt isolation. If we attempt It.
I'"thinE seems palmer than that we
al temporarily achieve it. but
lis time at our own expense and
'"=s,bly at our very considerable
:,-E-
European Methods TO Rule.
The dominating fact-or the WASH
ton conference will not be a dis
, scion Of the limitation OF arma-
~, nts either on water or on land.
" hen Mr.. Harding and Mr.. Hughes
g. banded the agenda to include the
TAci.ic question, they took us back
go Europe for Europe will only
, 40 With The Pacific problem in its
r.%a fashion. and that fashion means
llidnce or partition, and perhaps
both.
The truth is that we are seeking
TO establish in the Far East a poll
icy which squareIy conflicts with
the Japanese. We are asking Eu-
rope to see the thing as we see 1t
and lend US their moral. perhaps
even their material. assistance. But
it seems to me the prOfoundest of
AL errors to imagine that Europe
will, without hesitation and without
promise Of material advantage
throw its lot in with us against the
Japanese.
Grave Problems Involved.
What Americans have not clearly
perceived is that it is a mistake to
assert, as has been done so general
". that the United States asks moth
ing for itself and that all countries
save possible Japan-have equal
concern with us in establishing and
maintaining the open door in China
This is not true, and, in addition,
there are many grave problems
which must be faced by British.
French and Dutch statesmen, before
Athey can give us their support.
The declaration Of NJ. BRAND at
81 Nazaire serves as text for the
whole European view. France is
ready to meet American views with
respect of the reduction Of her land
forces provided America is ready to
meet French views as to French
security, which Is another way Of
saying that if we will agree to send
troops to France, II she. is at
tackled, France con and win reduce
her armies to meet our views.
Now, looking at the Far Eastern
situation, what is the fact? Japan
has an army and a navy strong
enough to enable her to deal with
French or Dutch colonies as she
chooses. She is only restrained
from a hostile policy by her alli-
anes with Great Britain and iby her
immediate concern In the nearer re-
S,ons OF the mainland Of Asia facing
Ifkf own islands. She is, too, at
the Iu0hcuI Influenced Oy the pos
sfbiiity OF obtaining French. Dutch
snd British support against US.
Japan Faces Menace.
But what II Britain, France and
MIDLAND should all agree to our
Views and give US their unqualified
support at Washington and after?
Japan would then have no further
reason to placate France or Holland
and she would have something ap-
proximating a. real grievance
against the British, who, even to
this day, are allies Of the Japanese
nd have harvested very great profit
from that alliance. Today Japan
finds herself faced by a menace as
grave as that coming from GERMANY
and confronting Britain a decade
ago. Before and during the world
war, even recently in the supreme
council. japan played the part of
the loyal ally; today it is the Brit
fish turn.
European statesmen have to face
the fact that giving their support
to the American view with respect
of China and the Pacific means in
viting the hostility of Japan. They
must calculate the comparative adj
vantage Of platonic friendahip. on
our part. as against active hostil-
fly on the part of Japan. They are
bound-and this is the key OF the