The New York herald., 1921-01-02
LAST OBSTACLE OVERCOME
TO BRITISH-RUSSIAN TRADE,
CHECKING FRANCES POLICY
Gardiner Hears Agreement Is to Be in Operation
Soon and That Britons See Another Ray Of Hope
in Understanding in New Year With United
States on Navy and Armaments.

The conference was a formal In
auguration of a great campaign which
is to be carried on throughout this
country with the object OF stopping the
present scandal and for formulating
a new policy with regard to Ireland.
1t will not be Immediately successful,
but it is the most formidable bolt yet
launched against Lloyd George rule in
Ireland, and it's ultimate triumph is
assured. When the terror in Ireland
breaks down. certainly the blockade
against Russia will break down.
Great Campaign Begins.
There is a third subject which casts
its shadow over the new year in Eng
land. 1t is the naval outlook. Ever
since the London Times set out to
alarm public opinion by it's comparison
OF the dead stop in naval building in
England with the activity of the
United States and Japan the subject
of the British navy has been exciting
widespread discussion. The disquiet
has been Increased by the publication
OF the Jutland papers, with the dis
closure OF important advantages in
equipment possessed in certain depart
ments of the German navy. But the
general current OF public opinion has
not taken the direction suggested by
the Times, There is little support Of
the policy of big ship construction.
The wisest heads in the navy itself do
not advocate such course for the
simple reason that the war made it
f,,1 xt-ha M
conditions. and especially the subma-
rine, have not converted the big battle
ship into q large white elephant. And
even the most case hardened members
of the "blue water" school do not want
to be associated with a fleet Of pos
,sible white elephants.
AS for public opinion, it is In no
mood to hear that it is to squander
millions building new ships when 1t
has just spent thousands of millions
disposing Of the only NAVY that had
menaced it for years. 1t is suffering
from bad trade and crushing taxation.
1t wants peace and economy and does
not relish the idea Of entering into
new naval competition. 1t is quite in
telligent enough to understand that
the last likelihood in the world Is
combination by the United States and
Japan against this country.
would End Armament Race.
But the scare has mad an important
consequence. 1t has given power
full impetus to the tide for naval
understanding with the United States.
The whole Liberal movement here is
permcated with this. idea. not only
upon economic grounds and as means
of preventing competition in arma-
ment between the two countries but
as the surest way OF laying the founda-
ton for world peace.
Organized labor's party is equally
anxious to take advantage of the pres
ent opportunity offers to English
speaking peoples. and is making a dra-
matte demonstration against competi-
ton in armament The suggestion for
a naval. holiday. Is being eagerly taken
up by the English press, and recent
comments by Josephus Daniels Ameri-
can Secretary OF the Navy, and by
Baron Hayashi, one OF Japans dele
gates to the Geneva meeting of the
assembly of the League of Nations.
are being much discussed regarding
their bearing on a possible triangular
arrangement (between the United
States, Great Britain and Japan) for
checking naval rivalry.
With the British nation in its pres
ent mood the Government would have
no difficulty carrying any scheme
which would remove once for all
time any menace in connection with
a race in ornaments between the
United States and England. Gathering
strength. the Liberal elements of the
nation make such scheme the bright
est hope the new year offers.