The Washington times., 1921-02-08
GIBBS LAUDS
IDEALS Of j. S.
English Editor Tells House
America Should Lead Dis
armament Movement.
BY GEORGE X. HOLMES.
International New. sessiee.

tnssSh@t~Asf NeW~ oes's@.
Sir Philip Gibbs, prominent Eng
lish editor and publicist, appeared
today before the House COMMITTEES
Naval Affairs and ssIrea its tnem-
bers that his country would gladly
receive proposals looking 10 world
disarmament.
LOOKS TO AMERICA.
and economic factor In the world,
could properly initiate these pro-.
posals. he thought, and the nations
OF Europe, now staggering under the
terrific burdens OF increasing arma-
ment, would subscribe whole-hearted-l
ly and sincerely TO her leadership. Il
sit Is impossible for any nation
In Europe TO call a conferences on
disarmament" he informed the com
mittee, because OF the distrust that
exists between the nations over
there"
III America would put her moral
strength behind peace In Europe,
and IL resisted would threaten TO
withdraw her interest in European
AFFAIRS, I believe that alone would
be sufficient to bring most OF the
nations into line with her ideals.
Europe knows America, and knows
that America Is disinterested."
The masses of people In England and
France believe, Sir Philip said. that
the last war was fought TO end WAT
and now as they watch the nations
feverishly arming again they are
were deceived.
ENCOURAGES REVOLT.
"since the close of tho war" he
continued. "the. English government
has embarked on a greater scheme OF
expenditure than ever before. The
peoples of Europe are becoming
talarmed-
IL already has encouraged the
spirit OF revolt. almost Of revolution.
because they fear that they will be
forced into another war"
Great Britain's expenditure on ar
mament this year will reach the stu
pendous total Of 270,00o,o0e pounds
sterling, Sir Philip informed the COM
mittee. At the normal rate or ex-
change this would be &1,s5o.Ooo.ooo
more than twice the amount ex-
pended in pre5war years (
| The English people as q mass are
In favor OF great reduction OF ar.
Il
leaders are moving strongly in that
direction"
Many leaders of English though, he
said. are coming to the consideration
that with the removal OF the German
army. Britain's chief menace also has
been removed, making this a propitious
time to Initiate world disarmament.
Russia Is the key to the whole sit
uation, he said and any general con-
tference of the nations on the sup5ect
OF dfsarmament7 should include soviet
REORGANIZATION. Germany also should
be represented even though she has
.been shprn of most off, her military
and naval powerH
Congressman. Britten, Republican.
| of illinois, asked Gibbs II ne
thought MOSCOW would consent to
| the demobilizing of her red army.
He replied that he didn't know.
AMERICA CAN LEAD.
America has 1t in her power to
lead the world to peace. he said,
solely by use of moral suasion
| in the chancellories of Europe.
Piled with questions by members OF
the committee along this line, he
said American example and moral
lleadership would prove more eff
cacious than American arms ana
| American dollars.
Gibbs characterized as stupfd
statements reported to nave peeh
made in high circles in London that
"England and America are treading
the pathway that. leads to war" Ger
tainly. he said, he had seen In tour OF
the United States nothing that would
| lead him to believe that there was
any inclination TO war in American
public opinion.