The New York herald., 1921-07-12
PARIS WILL inquire
SCOPE OF DISCUSSION
Doubt as to Whether Farley
Will Be Confined to
Naval Matters.
CONCERN OVER FAR EAST
Recognition as Pacific Power
Is Seen in Harding
Invita- ton.
CONCERN OVER FAR EAST

Special Cable to THE NEW YoRK HERALD.
Copyright, 1921, bp THE NEW York HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau.
Paris, July II.
President Harding within few days
will be assured by the French Govern
ment that II is prepared to participate
in a conference at Washington rela-
tive to disarmament and the Pacific
question. At the same time represen-
tations will be made at Washington
that France would like TO know
whether the disarmament discussion
would be confined to naval matters
or whether it would cover the whole
field OF general disarmament. This is
a point upon which doubt is left in
the minds Of European statesmen by
the wording of the informal inquiry
from Washington.
American Charge d'Affaires White
house called at the Quai d'Orsay to-
day upon a request from Washington
to ascertain the French attitude. and
was assured that the French attitude
was favorable and that formal reply
was to be given within a few days.
There Is a sentiment OF satisfaction
evident here that France should have
been included In the discussion.
Regarding the Far East. there is
already apparently considerable concern
as to the disarmament phase of the
conference. The French already foresee
the necessity of defending the size of
their army should the question cover
land forces. For this reason 1t cannot
be said that President Harding's invita-
tion has been received with great en-
thusiasm. The reaction in French
official circles as noted to-day might be
summed up as follows:
FIRST-General satisfaction that the
recognition of Frances claim TO be con-
sidefed as a Pacific Power on account
OF her Indo China possessions and at
the prospect of being made party TO a
general Pacific agreement which Is
clearly favored here as a substitute for
the Anglo-Japanese alliance and also
great satisfaction that President Har-
ding has not included Germany in :he
invitation.
included in the naval discussion. al
though not advancing a claim that she
is a great naval Power
THIRD-Affirmation that in the abb
sence OF other guarantees which she
lacks now through the unrealization OF
President Wilson's promises. she cannot
In the present state Of Europe and the
treaty consent to any serious reduc-
tion in the strength OF her army.
That a combination OF Powers may
seek to accomplish this under cover OF
this conference Is The fear provoked
Immediately In the French mind. Pres
ident Harding's move is regarded by
many as putting the quietus on the
League OF Nations efforts IN the field
Of disarmament The Libcrfc points out
that In accepting the invitation the Pow
crs will sign tho death warrant OF the
league. as the league had been deslg-
mated by them at the peace conference
as the agency 10 take up this question.
The Temps also wants to know what
good the deliberations OF the league will
be in view Of the Washington conference.
France showed plainly its general at
tltude when the league took w this
question at Geneva. the French delega-
ton refusing unanimty to the proposal
to ask the governments not 10 increase
their armament budgets.
Thls attitude Is still maintained. nd Is
explained by the Temps to be due 10 the
failure uf the League Of Nations and
Arti'e Y. and The treaties Of alliance.
The Temps asks. apropos Of the Harding
Invitation. what new guarantees can e
estf blshcd To- avoid = Eurorean war.
which Is q question. u says. which must
be carried 10 the very threshold OF the
Washington discussion.