New-York tribune., 1921-11-27
.arding's Plan
Opens Council
Door toEurope
Simonds Sees Reversion to
Paris Idea in Proposal
TO Merge Conference
Into World Association
Aims Now Are Uncertain
+ Foreign Issues Likely to
Crowd In; Lloyd George
Is Given an Opportunity
BY Frank H. Simonds

BY Frank II. Simonds
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2s.--Two facts
dominate the history Of the second
week Of the Washington conference,
namely. the Anglo-French row, which
was not unexpected, and President
Harding's Friday comment on the pos
sible broadening of the scope Of the
conference itself, which is in reality
the most striking single circumstance
since Mr.. Hughes's opening speech.
AS to the Anglo-French row, every
body already has taken its measure
and 1t may now be dismissed so far as
it has American significance. On the
other hand, the Presidents startling
proposal may lead to revision Of all
estimates alike Of time and results SO
far as the conference is concerned.
Between the Presidents later pro-
posal and Mr.. Hughes's opening pros
pectus it is obvious that there Is q
very wide difference. Under Mr.
Hughcs's. impulse the conference has
been working on the subject of the
limitation Of ornaments, with the idea
that specific and definite agreement
here would be the main contribution
Of the gathering, and since this objec-
tive was simple and restricted there
has been an expectation that Christ
mas would sec the work done and the
delegates gone.
Opening for Lloyd George
AS it now stands, however, there
seems every reason to believe that the
conference will take on new aspect
more thoroughly reminiscent Of Paris
and that we may have a very consider
able measure of European affairs
brought in. One of the most imme-
diate Of these possibilities Is that Mr.
Lloyd George may after all find q
reason to come here and an oppor-
tunity commensurate with his political
necessities. Such an opportunity ha.
been lacking ever since the first day
of the conference because there has
been no place where he could be put in
appropriately. Indeed, aside from M
Brands one-night stand, the Wash
ington conference has had single
character, and that has been Mr.
Hughes.
The Presidents suggestion comes as
profound surprise. II opens hori-
Hons far more considerable than any
one had expected would be explored
and it may be many days before We
can see what boundaries are actually
to be set to what may easily become {
totally different sort of internationa
gathering from that which has beer
described and expected in very recent
days.
Up to the present moment the Wash
ington conference has resolutely set
itself against any intermingling in
European affairs. 1t has successfully
resisted number of British, French
and italian attempts to interest the
United States in European problems
The result has been profound dis.
appointment to every European, al
though this disappointment finds little
expression in the public press either
at home or abroad. Moreover, even il
the case Of Asia, the United States has
to surprising extent, avoided assum
ing a leadership which would carr,
with it a similar assumption Of re
sponsibilities.
Doors Opened to Europe
If now, however, this Washington
conference is to be transformed, q
seems at least possible following
President Harding's suggestion Of yes
terday, we are bound to have Lloy
George come here to reopen the Brit
ish case against French policy on tn
Continent; we are certain to have Ger
many come here to ask the Unite
States to act as arbiter between Ger
many and her conquerors. Indeed, say
for Russia, which is specifically liste
as unlimited by President Harding,
is difficult to see why anybody i
Europe should stay away.
In addition, the question Of th
League of Nations seems likely to bt
come pertinent again. The Washing
ton gathering could hardly fail to
rival Of the Geneva association
Competition between the two organize
tions might easily follow and 1t is nj
impossible that members of the olde
body might expect inducements to pc
suade them to transfer their allegianc
1t is true that there remains q ye1
great lack of clarity in the Washing
ton mind as to exactly what the Pres
dent himself was thinking Of when !
reverted to his familiar topic Of q
association Of nations. The first In
preston was and still fingers, that I
had deliberately transformed the who
character of the present gatherin
When M. BRAND went home there WI
a general feeling that we were SEER
the beginning Of the end; that II
first dinner guest was going and Il
end Of the party in sight. The col
ference as outlined by Mr.. Hughes
his opening speech was obvious
reaching it's term. Now Washington
again frankly at sea and is awaitir
eagerly clarihcation and explanation.
Copyright. 1s3l. by the Mcclure Newspap
Syndicate.
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