Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-11-21

France began to demobilize as rapidly
as possible, and the period of enforced
military service was reduced from three
to two years. The result, he said, was
to reduce the three military classes to
two.
Now, he continued. France proposed
further restrictions, so that her army
soon would be reduced to half its for
mer strength. France, he added. had
need to feel the assurance Of the moral
support of her recent allies in the war.
Reiterating Frances devotion to peace.
he declared the day had not yet come
when total land disarmament was pos
sible.
France to DO Her Part
Expressing confidence that the world
would understand from his exposition
the real situation and motives of
France, because nothing could be more
incorrect than to suppose that the
French people were opposed to theipur-
poses of the Armament Conference, the
Premier pledged France would do her
part so far as She could without clos
ing her eyes to her national security.
The Premier's voice, ordinarily vi
brant and penetrating, and particularly
rich in ovcrtones, modulated to fill the
hall and no more. The effect upon
the auditor was as though the states
man was speaking directly and per-
sonally to him. rather than to large
gathering. There was no display OF
"cold storage" eloquence.
NJ. BRAND had before him slip or
two of notes on the big green table, but
he did not refer to them, and in this
respect followed his manner of speaking
from the tribune Of the Chamber of
Deputies.
NJ. BRAND radlates force and intel
lcctual power, and today his every in
tonation and gesture indicated that he
felt tho seriousness of mis- subject and
it's great importance to France. In
Geed, he came to Washington, his
friends on the delegation declared. more
to make tho explanation of the French
position on land armament than for
any other purpose.
Five feet six, and heavy Of body,
the French Prime Minister was a
striking igure, as, fred by his own elo-
Quence, he pleaded for adequate pro-
leCtlOn 1Or MS natlFC sui.
A "close up Of the French Premier
shows that his eyes are blue-rather
ali unusual color among the dark fea-
tured Bretons--but they are large and
expressive Of emotion. But they snap
and fash fire and appeared dark as he
plunged headloug into his subject; they
are touched again with softness rs his
voice pleads for Frnnce.
When Premier BRAND had finished
addressing the Conference Arthur
James Balfour, head Of the British
delegation, presented the viewpoint of
Great Britain, but did not reply in
detail.
NJ. Bniand's address was characterized
by Mr.. Balfour as perfectly candid"
explanation of the anxieties and pre-
occupation of France. This exposition,
he said, would have the full appre-
citation Of every one in the Conference.
The United States and Great Britain,
he said, occupied situations exempting
them from many Of the handicaps ex-
perienced by France.
Army Not Problem for United States
Introducing the subject Of land arma-
ment, Secretary Hughes said there was
no problem there for the United States,
whose traditional policy was to main
tain small army. Secretary Hughes
said he took pleasure to state that
gratifying progress had been made
during the first week of the Confer
ence."
1.-The United States fully recognizes,
however, the aprehensions and diff
ficulties of foreign Powers regarding
land armament" he said.
"The proposals of the American Gov
ernment regarding. the limitation of
naval armament said Secretary
Hughes. "have been under considera-
ton by the committee Of the plenipo-
tentiary delegates, and, aided by sub
committees, the matter is progressing
favorably."
Regarding the Conference of nine
Powers on Pacific and Far Eastern
questions, Mr.. Hughes added that
while most important declarations
have been made" there was nothing
at the present moment to report to the
plenary session.
II think l am justified in saying
Secretary Hughes continued, speaking
with reference to the Far Eastern
questions, that our expectations with
reference to the expedition and the
Of these questions have
been more than realized.
Small Army in America
The question of land armanentS.
Hughes said, was one which had not
vet been brought before the Conference.
80 far as the army of the United
States is concerned" said Mr.. Hughes,
mo question is presented 1t has al
ways been the policy Of the United
States, its traditional policy, TO have |
a regular military establishment with |
the smallest possiE-A basis.
"At the time OF the armisticc there
we're upward of 4,200,0 Americans
under arms. At once on the signing of
the armistice rehabilitation began, and
1t was completed in the course Of the
following year. Today our regular cS.
tablishment numbers less than $50, 900
men.
"While we have this gratifying con-
iition with respect to our military
force. in the United States we fully
recognize the special difficulties that
exist with reference to military forces
Hughes said it was felt that oppor-
tunity should be given all the delegates
to present their views fully on the QueS.
ton Of land armament, so that they |
might be made known to the Conference |
and the world.
Chandler Admits