The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1921-11-25
FRANCE NO PARTY
TO DISARMAMENT,
FARLEY DISCOVERS
With No Navy to Dismantle,
Cannot DiSband Her Army
Without Promise of Aid
in Case of Need
BY HUGH w. ROBERTS
Washington Bureau, The ASe-HeraI
k00 ma r,fd.or, RuiId

500 Davidson Building.
Washington. November 24-(Spe-
eial.)-Since the delivery of his
epooh-making speech Monday. Aris-
tide BRAND. French premier, who is
returning home, has been the subject
of prime speculation in Washington.
And the conference for the limitation
of armament is beginning to realize
that France is not party either to
the plan or the hope OF dismantling
navies and reducing armies.
France has no navy to dismantle.
France. according to the statement of
M. BRAND, cannot disband its army
unless the United States and England
agree to rush to its assistance in the
event of the revival of its hereditary
foe. Secretary Hughes and Mr.. Bal
four replying to the Frenchman, said
nothing of a positive character.
The premier of France furthermore
asked for a submarine strength equal
to that of Great Britain. France has
three coasts to defend. it was ex-
planned. The impression was given
that France is preparing for another
war.
Stand Resented
There are indications of growing
lack of harmony. In secret sessions
Balfour, since the BRAND speech, has
criticised the French position. He
has resented France, declaring that 1t
was isolated in the protection of the
civilization of the world. In view OF
tho desire of France to increase its
submarine strength, Balfour inquiries:
From whom does France expect at
tack?"
H. G. Wells. Britisher, is writing
very plain reflections from the
thought of Balfour and Geddes. He
charges that France. while talking
peace, prepares for war. The pro-
posed French reduction of enlistment
period from three to two years is
termed by Wells not disbanding. but
the exercising of economy. Italy is
also Understood to be amazed" at
the insistence of France that it's
strength of army be not interfered
with. On the other hand Portinax,
brilliant French writer attending the
conference. declares that England,
through Balfour and Geddes. is play
ing a very shrewd and successful
game of politics. He points out that
England will still be mistress of the
seas in any form the conference ter
inmates, and that it is vigorously OPP
posing the American suggestion tina,
it's pact with Japan be terminated.
One Note Of DiscOrd
Japan is apparently resisting the
details of the American proposal re-
garding the dismantling of the navies
of the world. As previously pointed
out, it would so amend as to retain
possession of it's greatest battleship,
the Mutsu, and it's many battle cruis-
ers. China is distressed that it was
forced to give assent 70 the suggest
ed programme of Mr.. Root for the
approach to the discussion ,of the
case of China.
The only American note approach
ing discord is sounded by the news
ps pers published by William RAN
doiph Hearst They refer pointedly
to the folly of scrapping American
vessels, which cost millions OF dol
lars, and the destruction OF which
would put America at the mercy OF
Europe" they harp on the alleged
political shrewdness and inherent
"selfishness" of England; they praise
the refusal of France to weaken
itself as the sole intelligent "crumb'
that has fallen from the table.
In the beginning there was too
much optimism, it Is clearly indicat-
ed. Today, despite the clouds that
have gathered. there is apparently
no reason for pessimism. The GRIND
was not unexpected. 1t had to come.
The American delegation is conf
dent that the details will be
"worked out" and differences ad-
justed.
BRAND Has His Dny
M. BRAND has had his big day. IN
the beginning there were Harolne
and Hughes, then Balfour. Inc
Frenchman is not neat as those who
preceded. His is not the elegant ng-
ure of either the American or inc
British spokesman. There were
fIecks of dust on the lapel OF ms
coat. His moustache was apparently
unkempt. and his hair floated BACK
like a name. But he stormed the con-
ference and took il.
His voice has the carrying power
of Bryan's, but is more soul stirrins'
more vibrant, more musical. HIS ges-
lures are of wonderful. inimitaoie
grace. The passion of his speech
suggests sincerity; his fire awakes
the emotions. And thus those VINO
UNDERWOOD no French, frequently ap-
nlauded without knowing why.
Briand had his triumph even as
Hughes and Balfour.
nut when his speech was anaiyzeo