New-York tribune., 1921-01-19
Idea of Calling Early Con-
ference Wins Approval;
Program Linked With
Council of Dominions
Little Opposition
To Big U. S. Fleet
Pulp and Cable Contro.
versies Also Will Be
Discussed With Ceddes
BY Arthur S. Drancr

FROM 1he Iroune's Europeom Bureau
Copyright, 1871. New York Tribun. Inc
LONDON, Jan. 18.--If WASHINGTON
dispatches forecasting President-elect
hard'ng's determination to call an in
ternatlonal disarmament conference
are accurate Great Britain will he de-
cldedly pleased. A conference in Anril
would tit in with British plans admira-
oly' especially as the imperial confer
ence Is scheduled to take place the fol-
lowing month.
le Is anticipated that a disarmament
conference would last several weeks
and consequently there probably would
De simultaneous meetings of the dis
armament representatives in Washinp-
ton and OF the imperial premiers here.
certainly this possibility will be dis
cussed thoroughly during the soiourn
here of Sir Auckland Geddes, who is
expected Friday, and he will return to
Washington fully informed as to the
views of the Lloyd George government.
Press Restraint Relaxed
Whatever Sir Auckland accomplishes
IN London. his trip is bound to prove
well worth while, if for no other raa
son than that he will set the press
ok both sides to speaking frankly.
Much restraint has been removed. and
Tor the first time since America on
tered the war the British press mar
t'cuiarly has handled the points at
issue between Great Britain and the
United States without fear of giving
international cffense. Hitherto the
critics of American policy have con-
sidered it a wiser policy to express
their dissatisfaction in an undertone,
but now they are speaking their real
thoughts, and there seems to be q
chance that with Sir Auckland's re-
turn many difficulties will be ironed
out.
Nobody Of Importance on this side
OF the water is likely to raise his
voice in opposition to the American
plan Of increasing the strength of
the United States Navy. What may
be suggested is that the nations come
to an agreement in the matter of naval
defense, and here the opinion prevails
that the recommendation which the
dominions make in this regard will
carry great weight with the imperial
government.
Says The Daily News,
"War with America is not reason
able contingency. If it were, we should
be reversing our policy Of a hundred
years and be fortifying our Canadian
frontier. If we can do without rival
forts, we can do without rival fleets
If America thinks she needs more ships
for her special requirements than we
need to meet ours, we'll and good"
Chalmers to Accompany Geddes
1t is said that Lord Chalmers, British
financial representative, whose expected
visit to the United States has been
held up pending the return here of
Sir Auckland, will go to Washington
with the Ambassador. While TIE two
men are here they will confer with
treasury officials.
Among questions that will be dis
cussed while Sir Auckland is here,
which have not been mentioned in
these dispatches, is the Canadian wood
pup uiSpuCc. IHlS ~ NdtleE OI
minor Importance alongside of disarm-
ament, Ireland, Anglo-Japanese rela-
tions, Panama Canal tolls and control
Of the former German cables, but it is
responsible for considerable friction
and important financial interests are
involved.
Some way out of the deadlock on the
matter of the cables must be found
and it is possible that concessions can
be made on both sides. Frankly, the
British cannot appreciate Americas at
titude in the cable dispute, but it is
recognized that the present uncertain
situation might cause bitter resent
ment in the United States.