New-York tribune., 1921-08-12
Formal Invitation to Con.
ference at Washington
on November III Sent
to Allied Governments
Pacific Issues Are
Definitely Named
Note Makes Plain, How.
ever, That US. Does Not
Fix Scope of Agenda
BY Carter Field

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11.-For-
nal invitations to the conference on
armament limitation and Pacific and
Far Eastern questions were sent out
by Secretary Hughes to-day, after
being approved by President Har-
ding.
One form of invitation was sent
to Great Britain, France, Italy and
Japan. This embraced both the
armament limitation and the Pacific
and Far Eastern subjects. A second
form was sent to China. This ap-
piled only to the Pacific and Far
Eastern questions, leaving out arma-
ment limitation.
The note to the principal Allied
powers sets forth in a general way
the reasons for the conference. 1t
emphasizes the need for general re-
duction of armaments in order to re-
lieve the world of its vast wasteful
and staggering burdens, and points
to the desirability of removing
causes Of friction in the Pacific and
Far East.
Harding's Call to Parley
The text of the Presidents invita-
ton to the four powers reads:
The President is deeply gratifed
at the cordial response to his sug-
geshon that there should be a con-
terence on the subject of limitation
OF armaments, IN connection with
which Pacific and Far Eastern ques.
tions should also be discussed.
Productive labor is staggering
under an economic burden too heavy
70 be borne unless the present vast
PUBIC expenditures are greatly re-
cuced. 1t is idle to look for sta
olhty' or the assurance of social
Justlce, or the security Of peace,
while wasteful and unproductiye
cutlays deprive effort of its lust re-
ward and defeat the reasonable ex-
pectation of progress. The enorm-
Gus disbursements in the rivalries
OF armaments manifestly constitute
the greater part Of the circumference
upon enterprise and national pros
perity; and avoidable or extravagant
expense of this nature is not only
"ltnout economic justification, but
IS constant menace to the peace
OF the world rather than an assur-
ance OF its preservation. Yet there
would seem to be no ground to ex-
pect the halting of these increasing
soutlays unless the powers most larg-
~ concerned find satisfactory basis
Tor an agreement to effect their lin
ltatlon. The time is believed to be
opportune for these powers to ap-
proach this subject directly and in
conference; and while, in the discus
SION Of limitation of armament, the
question OF naval armament may
naturally have first place, it has been
thought best not to exclude oues-
tions pertaining to other armament
to the end that all practicable meas
ures OF relief may have appropriate
consideration. 1t may also be found
advisable to formulate proposals by
wnich IN the interest Of humanity
the use of new agencies of warfare
may be suitably controlled.
Must Remove Causes
:, 1T is, however, quite clear that
tnere can be no final assurance of
The peace of the world in the alb
~ t1AC 0tS+lc lOI pedCe. ana
me prospect Of reduced ornaments
is not hopeful one unless this de-
are fnds expression in a practical
enort to remove causes Of n.isunder-
Standing and to seek ground for
agreement as to principles and their
appilcatlon. 1t is the earnest wish
o. this government that through an
interchange of views with the facili-
yes anorded by a conference il may
oe possible to find solution Of Pa
cine and Far Eastern problems, Of
.nouestioned Importance at his
tm'e--that is, such common under
stancings With respect to matters
"hicn have been and are Of interna-
Aohal concern as may serve to pro-
mote enduring friendship among our
peoples.
1T is not the purpose Of this gov
esnment TO attempt to define the
cope Of the discussion in relation to
me Pacific and Far East, but rather
% ieaye this to be the subject Of
sLeggeStlons to be exchanged before
me meeting Of the conference, in
ne expectation thai the spirit OF
'leAesnip ard a cordial apprecia-
.gh OF the importance Of the elimina-
..oh o. sources Of controversy will
goTsrn the final decision.
Aceorrdingly, in pursuance of the
proposal which has been made, and
az the light of the gracious indica-