The Washington times., 1921-07-23
FEARS FOR
SUCCESS. Of
C0NC[AVE|N
j. S. CAPITAL
British Premier. Beset by PoIitl-
cal Complications, Regrets He
Initiated Arms" Meet.
By NEWTON c. PARKE.
international News Service.

LONDON, July 23.---Premier
Lloyd George Is becoming apprehen-
sive over the troublesome compli-
cations which are besettine the ar
rangements for the proposed Wash
ington conference on disarmament
and Far East issues, his friends re-
vealed today.
The premier was, quoted rs say
ing to an intimate: Il almost wish
l had never suggested a conference"
Britain Took Initiative,
Lloyd GEORGES. statement is az
planned by the fact that while the
public Invitation to the powers came
from President Harding, it is gener-
ally understood that Great Britain
strongly urged the United States to
take the initiative in calling the in
ternational meeting.
The premier Intensely wishes the
conference to be held and also he
wishes to participate personally.
Apart from sincerely believing that
disarmament Is possible, he realizes
that 1t would be the biggest personal
triumph he has ever achieved and
would assure him an unlimited term
of power. 4.
But three obstacles confront the
premier.
Premier Hughes of Australia Is
insisting upon Australian representa-
ton in the Pacific discussions, and
coupled with this is the fact that
Hughes will soon return to, Australia
and Is unable to wait until autumn
for the conference. Consequently.
ie
immediate. meeting in London.
Premier Meighen of Canada 4.
supporting his Australian colleague.
Lloyd George favored their sugges-
ton to the extent OF putting the
proposal directly up to George Har.
vey, the American ambassador. No
response has yet arrived from Wash
ington. and Lloyd George is begin
ming to fear there is no chance for
a preliminary conference In London.
Irish Hitch, Obstacle.
2, Premier Lloyd George realizes
1t is useless for him to go to the
United States unless there is an
Irish settlement In the meantime. He
is becoming slightly pessimistic on
account of the attitude of Ulster in
the Irish peace negotiations.
3. Leaders of the Coalition party
resent the possible absence of Lloyd
George from England, fearing
Austen Chamberlain would be un-
able to hold the Coalition party to-
gether in his absence.
These three factors are telling
heavily against Lloyd Georges per-
sonal desires. and doubt is expressed
as to whether he can reconcile them.
The London Times understands
the dominion premiers have re-
ceived from Washington a reply to
their query as to whether they may
have representation at the con-
ference, but no hazard was made as
to the contents.
In connection with Premier Lloyd
Georges statement I'm Commons that
Great Britain would continue the con-
struction of warships, tho Daily Mall
declared today that the cabinet sup
ports the prenfer's View and thst 10
fayors the building Of capital ships and
continuation Of the naval program.
To Build Big warships.
For several years Britain win con-
struct big warshipS 81 .,,e rate Of thrce
or four year, accor. - We Daily
Mails version Of the 49, Vi de-
cision.
The Daily Mail went on to,tAy, how
ever, that this decision would'pe sub
ject TO any treaty with Japan and
America for reduction of armamcnts.
Admiral Earl Beatty, first sea lord Of
the admiralty. and Winston Church1u
secretary of state for the colonies, ha4