The Washington times., 1922-12-04
AMERICAN.
NATIONS IN
P:ARLEY /
Gather Here at Conference
Table to Work Out Peace
Plans.
By GEORGE r. HOLMES.
International News Service Staff
r2--.....AAat

Correspondent.
Under the firm and kindly guild
ance Of the United States Govern
nent. the five small powers that
comprise Central America gathered
around a conference table in the
historic Hall of the Americans here
today to work out a program for
permanent peace and tranquility in
the area that has been the cockpit
or SO many little wars in the last
century.
The conference that met today
under the leadership of Secretary
OF State Charles Z. Hughes is, In
TACT, miniature replica of the
greater conference of world power
held here year ago which ac-
complished the reduction of the
worlds great navies. and gave as
ourance for peace on the Pacific
and Far East for years to come.
The ends attained by the great
Washington conference a year ago
are the same sought by the five
little republics of Central America
today-reduction of armament, as.
ourance Of perpetuating peace by
treaty, establishment OF tribunals to
decide disputed questions without
resort to force. and, finally, the
establishment of mutual trust and
good feeling based upon a clear
understanding and recognition Of
each others problems.
The countries that sent repre-
sentatives here today were Guate.
mala, Honduras. Salvador. Costa
Rica and Nicaragua.
The interest of the United States
Government in today's meeting Is
largely benevolent.
In inviting the small republics to
bring their troubles to Washington.
however. the United States Govern
ment was actuated by a deeper and
more far-reaching purpose than the
mere establishment of peace for its
own sake in the region south or
Mexico.
American administrations, past
and present. have long realized that
the continual petty warfare in Cen
trail America constituted a menace
to the Monroe Doctrine. BY end
ing these wars and establishing
tranquility. the chief temptation for
foreign nations to butt in in Gen.
trail America is thus removed.
Assured peace and tranquility
will also make Central America,
rich as 1t is in natural resources,
an attractive field for development
which the republics there are sadly
needing. and in which IT Is feit
American enterprise should take
pat
Moreover, reduction of armament
anu established peace by treaty IN
Central America is practical ap-
plication of the Washington confer
ence idea to the Western HemJs-
6here. and the Administration is
hopeful that working model Of
peace and reduced armsmeSt may
be set UP there which ultimately
will be adopted by the world in
general.
Secretary Hughes was elected
president Of the conference and j.
II. Stabler, former, chief OF the
Latin. American division of the State
Department, was chosen secretary.
general.
Welcomed BY Hughes.
Secretary of State Hughes made
the welcoming address to the dele.
gates, which was responded TO by
each of the chief delegates in turn.
at is a high privilege to extend
to you, on behalf of the President
Of the United States, a most cordial
welcome" said Secretary Hughes.
"Solicitous as you must be of the
dignity. rights and interests of your
respective nations. your presence
here attests your appreciation OF
q community of interests and your
sincere purpose to promote com.
mon welfare by assurances of
mutual esteem, and establishment
Of the essential conditions of tran
guilty and security.
II. s. Ready to Cooperate.
"You will find here the most
friendly atmosphere. the helpful
spirit of cooperation, and an in
tense desire to aid you in the fur
fherance of your own wishes for an
abiding peace and "A constantly In
creasing prosperity.
"The Government of the United
States has no ambition to crafty
at your expense, no policy which
runs counter to your national as
pirations, and no purposes save to
promote the interests of peace and
to assist you to solve your prob.
lens to your own advantage. The
interest of the United States Is
found in the peace Of this hemis.
phere and in the conservation Of
your interests"
Secretary Hughes said he desired
TO emphasize the need for arbitra.
ton tribunals and reduced military
expenditures.