New-York tribune., 1921-11-11
The Coming Conference

NOnlCrtUCc
which depends tho Gerry life Of Eng
land, for she is mistress of the entira
coaet Of the Channel from Dunkirk to
Cherboutg and Brest."
The Possibility Of an
Allisncc With japan
persiAagc to speak Of an American alli-
ance with any country. The mere sug-
gestion of 1t awakens the mind to the
folloy IL would involve. But it is i'm
portant to remember that If an alliance
we're necessary to the interests Of the
United States there would be choice.
And there arc conceivable circum-
stances in which, If peace alone were
the great stake, temporary combina-
tion with Japan, who has some unde-
niablc rights in the world, might be the
most clearly indicated choice, as an cf-
fective barrier to European eminent
domain in Asia. 1t might not be diff
cult to show that, to rapidly develop
Ing industrial country like Japan, her
true policy would be found in tho open
door Of trade in all Asia, rather than
n.bbling of small areas Of Asiatic ter
ritory to be made the scene Of a tur-
bulent revolt against foreign SOW
ereignty.
With the growth Of her commercial
interests Japan might soon become con-
vinccd that tho friendship OF America
would be Of more value to her .han an
alliance with any other power, for
America seeks no territorial conpen-
sations anywhere, and the open door
would be of greatest advantage to tho
nation nearest to it. 1t would be a
happy day on which it was discovered
that the United States and japan really
at heart want the same thing and
mean that they shall not be deprived
o. it by the bargains Of European ma
tions trading in what does not belong
to them. America for the Americans,
Europe for the Europeans and Asia
for tho Asiatics---with trade open on
equal terms to all-might put an end
to imperialism in it's historic sense.
1t is better, therefore, that no na-
tion should come to Washington with
fixed idea about American manifest
destiny in the choice Of friends. do
not claim to speak with authority, but
do not believe the government at
Washington has invited the powers to a
conference for the purpose Of any
transaction with any of them. 1t. has
nothing for sale and it is not seeking
aid. There will, it is to be hoped, be
all understanding, but not a bargain.
The conference should result in many
friendships, but no alliance. The only
solid foundation of international
! friendship is reconciliation of inter
ests, on a plan that recognizes the
legitimate interests Of all and is not
sabversive Of the rights Of any.
Effective Guarantees
Supremely Important
Tho important matter is that. in
ctecting this reconciliation, its terms
should receive effective guarantees.
Alliances do not afford such guaran-
ties. Guaranties are not to be sought
In what is said but in what is done.
Unless conclusions can be translated
into actions they arc subject to ekep-
tlcism and even to derision. Every
nation at Washington will talk of
peace" and even OF "justice." The
real question is, What will they do to
insure peace with justice?
The basic question of all is, How
far do governments really represent
peoples? They come together in con-
ferences with what arc called "fu!l
powers" but this is only D matter OF
form. Do the people who will be rep
resented in Washington really wish to
limit armament, especially naval arma-
ment? There is every reason to be-
l'eve that without exception they de,
sire to do so. The madness Of com
petitive naval construction is eviden,
w oA| nHu 4tS DuIucuS arc 1elC OY all
Are the "plenipotentiaries" who are te
assemble in Washington to be instruct.
ed to accomplish this limitation to the
level of actual naval defense or are
they TO be governed by the bureau.
Gratis Of admiralty Offices?
There is one obstacle to pacific prog.
Tess in the world that seldom receives
the consideration which it should com.
mand. A. constant temptation Of al
governments even the most demo-
cratic, is the augmentation of the ma
tional power. 1t has been intensified
by two modern tendencies in politica
life-the assumption of economic con
troll over private business on the par
OF governments and the responsibilit,
felt by governments for the industria
and commercial advantage of the ma
tion. BY almost insensible transi
tions economic imperialism is takinf
the place Of dynastic imperialism. Ii
former times the King protected tn,
rights Of his people but respected thei1
economic liberty. Modern govern
f1entS ,1NHcrfoLe u o>.Ao-Y 3,