Arizona republican., 1922-02-08
HARDING TAKES
STEPS TO CARRY
OUT PROVISIONS
Of NAVAL PACT
Work On Fortifications On
Pacific Islands Is Or
dered Discontinued; To
Stop Work On Ships
[RepubIican A. p. Leased Wlrsl


WASHINGTON. Feb. 7.-Executive
departments of the government took
steps today toward carrying out the
edicts OF the armament conference
without awaiting ratification by the
senate Of the several treaties. while
the American delegation worked on
their report to be submitted to Pres
ident Harding, and senate leaders be-
gan marshalling their forces Tor the
fight on ratification OF the treaties.
Announcement was made that the
president had ordered discontinued
all work on additional Notifications
ION the island of Guam and In the
Philippine Islands, thus taking note
of the clause in the naval treaty
which fixes q status quo for these
Pacific islands.
The President, II was stated. also
would order suspended all work on
naval craft now building which are
destined for the scrap heap under the
five power treaty with Great Britain.
France, Japan and Italy. The final
order to discontinue such construc-
ton, however, will not be issued until
the treaty Is ratified, it was said.
Secretary Weeks, in furtherance OF
the Presidents order regarding the
Philippines, cancelled the orders for
sending new guns to replace those in
the Notifications there. Secretary
DENLY also announced that some mil
itary equipment, including mines,
destined to Guam has been ordered
returned.
Secretary Weeks said the orders
had been cancelled as an evidence
H,f - fhfd country IN
carry out in spirit and letter the
provisions of the naval treaty re-
specting the Notifications OF Pacific
islands.
Some discussion of the necessary
strength OF the armed forces also de-
veloped today. AT the White House
it was said President Harding be-
lieved some reductions in the per-
sonnel Of the army and navy would
result from the conference agreement
but that they would be of reason
able RELATIVELY"
The navy, in his opinion, is was
said. should not go below $4,000 men
as the minimum for safety.
The President intends to send to
the senate this week all the treaties,
hut this was said at the White House
10 depend on whether the report OF
the American delegates was received
by the President by that time. Sem
ator Lodge, who called on the Presi-
dent today, said later he hoped the
report would be presented Friday.
The President, It was said would
ask, "speediest possible ratification"
consistent with the discussion re-
quired by the senate on matters Of
such importance to the nations. The
President was represented as feeling
that there was no need for reserva-
tions being attached to any Of the
treaties.
senator Borah. Republican of
Idaho in statement today called
for immediate translation Of the work
of the conference into a reduction of
governmental expenditures. He urged
a further cut in the army and de-
, manded that the American troops be
returned from the Rhine at once.
In furtherance of plans decided on
today by Republican and Democratic
leaders in the senate, for informal
considers t'o- for the treaties before
ey are taken upon the. floor. meet
ings to talk over l.e work of the con-
ference are expected to be held early
next week.