The Washington herald., 1921-10-09

mind has been reflected in the awakening enthusiasm
Tor the possibilities OF the Washington conference
tos the limitation of armament ,..s.,, y e..
1t is idle to disguise the fact that for some time
this conference excited only mild interest but now
owing to the menace of increasing distress in Europe
it comes with a binding light to many minds that
Eere is the real chance for relieving all countries Of
immense burdens of taxation due to the cost of naval
and military armament and of arranging pact of
peace between the great powers to eliminate the
worst forebodings of future conflict
Cynics of course, see nothing bu, self interest in
the attitude of European powers to the Washington
proposals. especially in Great Britains willingness to
reduce her naval strength in a way which would
leave her with the same relative strength in sea
power
France. not much interested in sea power, will
they say, resist the limitation of land armaments un-
less America and Great Britain guarantee military
aid in case of German aggression Russian attacks
on Poland
That is true but it is also common sense as long
the present prospects of future conflict prevail
The Washington conferences big chance is to reduce
the probable causes of future and so make prep
arations for futile
With good will and courage all sides that can
be done large by an economic policy sup
ported by the United States Great Britain and France
with extension of credits to Central Europe de-
pending the peaceful development Of industry.
nomics and on the security of trade. 5r
There be no lasting peace between nations
driven by natural laws to seek food land and raw
material other peoples frontiers In my opin-
ion all questions relating to land ornaments be
approached by way of Russia, Poland and Germany.
If their future life were insured by world credits
which would make their prosperity depend ON peace
France and Poland would be relieved of future men,
ace and would have further excuse for standing
armies. s.@ass i: ~
But Russian good will and political reform may
only be brought about by quick rescue Of her
starving millions, and echo Nansens cry OF rebuke
to world governments who will not vote as much
money would build one battleshp to save millions
of persons from death.
! Not in that way shall swe bring Russia back to
the brotherhood of nations or demobilize her, Red
army.
Ensand's part in the Washington conference will
be shaped by the quality of her chief
That is still secret, but in my belief Winston
Churchill may be chosen in the absence Of Lloyd
George. s., rs
If that happens Washington will have man who
in spite of many failures and mistakes, rec-
lessness of action and the spirit of gambler for i'm
perial stakes, has immense Imagination and a
quick understanding of world facts
After many adventures in reaction his recent
speeches show that he sees reality and light and is
ready to cut his losses and start new and eour-
ageous lines.
Meanwhile it is necessary to let the plain people
in Great Britain understand the vast importance to
them of the Washington conference. In my Small
way journalist. am doing my best and it is
significant Of awakening interest that only one small
pamphlet issued by the peace council has sold in a
few days to the extent Of 10000 copies.
The man in the street is beginning to look for
ward to the Washington conference as his chance td
be rescued from taxation and war.