The New York herald., 1921-09-24
j. S. Still FAVORING
-FOUR arms ENJOYS
Willing, Though, to In
crease Number to Six, as
Britain Suggests.
UNWIELDINESS FEARED
Diplomatic Correspondence
Must Precede Any Change
in Delegations.
NO PROTESTS on AGENDA
Reports of Dissatisfaction De-
nied-Interest Shown in
Pershing's Trip.
NO PROTESTS on AGENDA

Special Despatch TO THE New YORK IrunALp.
New York Herald Bureau,
WASHINGTON, ID. c., Sept. %.
The United States is willing to ac-
cept any changes In the number OF
delegates to the arms conference that
the participating Powers may desire.
This was made clear in high official
quarters, although it was made clear
also that diplomatic correspondence
will precede any change in the present
programme of limiting the number to
four.
Even if the other Powers choose
more than four delegates to the con-
ference the United States will not
necessarily change the number of its
own delegation. as thc delegations
will vote as units. The only disad-
vantage that would be entailed would
rest in the fact that six delegates
represents a preponderance OF think
ing. working and talking power on the
part OF the countries having the larger
number.
While the United States Is willing to
conform to the number decided upon by
foreign Powers, it Is the belief OF this
Government that better results would
be obtained by small delegations.
Objection to the present number of
four. already decided upon. Is under
stood 10 come from Great Britain. where
difficulties have arisen relative TO repre-
sentation Of the Dorninions. The United
States has been anxious to have the
Doninions properly represented In the
conference for reasons of general amity,
although 1t has not advanced any views
along this line. because It has been re-
garded as indecorous to do so. Naturally
the selection of the Pritisr delegation
Is matter that rests entirely with the
British Government.
u. 8. Is Not Committed.
While this Government has not de-
cidcd that II will increase the number OF
It's own delegates in the event that other
nations raise the number to six, which
is the suggestion reported coming from
Great Britain. 1t Is not committed TO
limit it's own delegates to -four. II may
or may not increase the number OF the
AulSTlCaT QelcEAtluI ~obSAaet
alton OF the problem may dictate.
Categorical denial was made In state
Department circles to-day that any OF
the nations included in the conference
have objected to the tentative agenda
proposed by this Government Certain
Governments have asked for further In
formation concerning two items In the
proposed asenda. These are included
under the sub-headinrs new agencies
Of warfare and "ststus OF existing
commitments" This Government has
sent additional information concerning
what Il believes should be included un-
der these sub-headings.
Reports that Great Britain has raised
questions concerning that portion Of tho
agenda that purposes to discuss land
armaments are not corroborated here.
II Is understood tina. Britain Is inter-
ested In the subject of the status Of
existing commitments ard that In
showing this interest she is also speak
ing for japan.
Interest in PershinR's Trip.
Considerable interest was awakened
here in the mission that has taken Gen.
Pershing to France at this time. 1t was
accumulated by reports that Anbassa-
dor Herrick had made a speech in which
he intimated that Gen. Pershlng had