Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1921-01-22
HARDINCTO CALL
CONFERENCE FOR
DISARMAMENT

"dSIiIlBtou--ll II ihlihldtcu u! tHt
friends of Senator Harding here, that
his first move in the direction of new
international relations, after Congress
has declared by joint resolution that
war with Germany is at an end, will
be the dispatch of note to the powers
asking them to join the United States
in general conference, the purpose of
which will be the reduction of arma-
mentS.
1t is said the President-elect has be-
come profoundly impressed with op-
portunity now existing to bring the
great governments of the earth into
an accord upon this subject. With vir-
tually all nations staggering under
heavy national debts and burdensome
taxation and with the world weary of
war, Mr.. Harding is believed to feel
that now is the accepted time to press
for gradual but effective reduction
in the war-making machines of the
world
1t is added, however that the Presi
dent-elect has as yet no clear idea of
the methods he will employ to arouse
interest of the associated powers in his
proposal. He may communicate direct
with them or he may publicly propose
an international conference, at the
same time asking other governments
to participate.
One suggestion heard is that Mr..
Harding's initial move might be the
dispatch of notes to Japan and to
Great Britain, embodying an invita-
tion to deliberate with the United
States over possible disarmament
measures, with particular reference
to naval programs. If this step should
result favorably, then other powers
would be requested to go into the.
whole question of disarmament.
In this connection. it is said, Mr..
Harding may remind Great Britain
that disarmament affords a means of
economy which may make it far easier
for the debtor nations TO repay what
they owe. The question of European
Indebtedness TO America is one to
which Mr.. Harding is said to have
given much thought and about which
he feels a farge measure of concern.
Mr.. Harding said repeatedly during
the campaign that league of nations or
no league of nations. he hoped for
future disarmament, although as fire.
quently declaring that until this hope
could be realized. il was the plain
duty of the United States to maintain
an adequate navy as an instrument of
defense of her foreign shipping and
her international rights.
He also frequently declared that
some business-like understanding
must be reached with the debtor ma
tions as to the repayment of the
money they borrowed from the United
States in the prosecution Of the war.
Already there is pronounced senti-
ment in Congressional circles for
some definite and effective move to-
ward disarmament. Every time an
appropriate committee Of the Hou
and Senate sits down to work out
economy schcpe, il finds itself c
fronted-with the enormous dem
for money for the army, for the n
and for other purely war enterpi
There can be no decisive reductiS
appropriations, il has been fcun
long as a strong army and pow-
navy must be maintained.
Although the Senate has, th'
shown no pronounced cage,
adopt the Borah resolution
a naval holiday. much C
nation to pass this me:
an unwillingness - "
ers to complica'
ters on the 9.
tion. Most
would be
HARDIN