, 1921-07-21
By EDWARD W. PIckARo.


The United States last week resumed
its leadership of international affairs.
n President Harding's world policy
unfolded in a 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
fulfllment. This comes abou through
the Presidents invitation to Great
Britain. France, Italy and Japan to
send representatives to a 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
ticipate 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 signiied their willingness to &C
cept the formal invitation when 1t Is
Issued, so 1t may be considered GER
tain that the conference will be
held. probably in the coming autumn
or possibly early next year. Ill the
Woiih 10 tNhutinB hultHSt lHltTtSl III
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 porn ut
the Washington conference.
Not only did the President forestall
the action of congress, which was
passing finally on the naval bill con
tanning the Borah amendment asking
the President to negotiate a naval hol-
iday with Great Britain and Japan
he also went further thar Borah and
his followers desired and b~roadened
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
be guaranteed against another attack
by Germany. and Italy's main
strength is her army. Borah and
others thought the inclusion OF land
ornaments might defeat the whole
plan, but the administration thinks
their fears are g~roundless and that an
agreement for naval reduction may be
reached II the question Of reducing
armies is found embarrassing. Indeed.
b governments Of France and Italy
were as prompt as that Of Great Britain
10 accept Mr.. H~arding's invitation.
China's approval Of the plan came
next. n Japan, after carefully con
sidering the Far Eastern phase Of the
matter. instructed Its embassy at
Washington to accept. so far as
armament reduction Is concerned.
Before President Harding Issued the
Informal invitations, the leading states
men Of Great Britain we're consulted
by Ambassador Harvey and also by
DIR. Nicholas Murray Butler, who was
reported to be unoficially assisting
Mr.. Harvey In the matter. 1t is said
they Informed Washington of the
psychological moment for taking nc
ton. Then Doctor Butler went to
Paris and talked with French leaders,
and told correspondents that Presl-
dent Millerand vas highly enthusiastic
owe the American plan. French and
British statesmen agree with me that
president Hardlng's proposal marks n
turning point In the history of the
world" said Doctor Butler.
Premier Lloyd Georges