The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1921-09-23


subject of naval armament is divided
into three sections: Basis of limita-
ton, extent of limitation and fulfill
ment of conditions. 1t is not so stat
ed in the outline now presented to the
public, but ST is to be presumed that
the same divisions will apply to the
subject of land conference.
Limitation of armament is, of
course, the primary purpose of the
conference, but it is recognized as es-
sential to the accomplishment of that
purpose that an understanding be
reached by the governments taking
part in the conference on questions af-
fecting the Pacific and the Far East.
So the agenda calls for consideration
of questions relating to China, to ST.
IBERIA and to the inundated islands. In
regard to China it is suggested that
the subjects of territorial integrity,
administrative integrity. equality of
administration and industrial oppor-
tunity (the open door,, concessions,
monopolies and other economic priv
ileges, development of railways, pref
erential railroad rates, and status of
existing commitments, be open to dis
cussion. 1t will be seen from this that
an effort will be made to reach an
agreement upon a definite interna-
tional policy in relation to the Pacific
and the Far East. This, in itself, is a
very large undertaking. When we re-
call the many problems and the many
conflicting interests in volved in such
a settlement, when we remember how
many years have been spent, more or
less fruitlessly, in the effort to estab-
fish by regulation such an understand
ing as is now to be attempted by in
ternational conference, the difficulties
in the way Of success seem to be in
superable. But still, there is a new
spirit abroad in the world, and in sup
port of that spirit there are pressing
necessities, national and international,
that demand concrete and complete
achievement in the solution of these
problems, and the adoption of a Joint
policy that will secure peace to the
Pacific, and peace. security and JUS
tice to the lands it touches.
In this spirit and these necessities
lies the hope, we may even say the
assurance, Of successful issue to the
work Of the conference. And not on
ly a successful issue to the work of
the conference on the Pacific ques-
tons, but successful issue on the linn
itation of armament. The latter, to
be sure, is question that prevents in
herent difficulties Of its own, but with
satisfactory agreement as to the Pa
cific policy obtained, these difficulties,
at least so far as they affect the lin
itation Of naval disarmament, will be
materially lessened. This is, indeed,
the lesser problem becoming, after an
understanding as to policy is reached,
largely a matter of ways and means.
The question of the limitation of land
armament is not so greatly involved
in the Pacific question. 1t is by no
means a separate issue, but the ac-
complishment of limitation of land ar
mament depends more upon the solu-
ton of European problems than of
those in the Pacific. The discussion
of this subject must of necessity bring
European questions before the con-
ference, and in that discussion the
American commissioners must have
something to say. Much, if not all,
in this phase of the conference, will
depend upon the attitude of France,
which now has the largest army in
the world and believes that its safety |
depends upon keeping it. France, it |
may be expected, will demand some |
of security before it con-
sents to material reduction of it's
army, although it realizes that it is q
tremendous burden. What will be our |
answer to such a demand?
The United States, it is we'll to un-
derstand, has a very great and grave
responsibility in this matter: 1t has
declined to join the other nations in
the existing organization for the
of the peace of the
world. 1t has initiated a separate
for the limitation of arma-
ment as means to the maintenance
Of peace and for the lifting of the
worlds greatest burden. 1t must be
prepared to contribute something con-
crete to the success of that move
nent. 1t must be willing to do itself
what it calls upon others to do, aud
not only that, but to lead the way in
The concessions that all must make for
l. u Il