Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1922-05-23

y 0SAAASS HoAO w SOlaSAA NOaASS AIat6 SSlAR% 50 81
igression from other quarters; the naval reduction
treaty in which the great naval nations agree on a
basis of naval strength which shall not be exceeded,
and on 1.-THE scrapping of half the battleship. tonnage
the, practical outlawryof the submarine as an Of
ltensive engine Of wal; and a number of other agree.
ments relating to arms and to the settlement Of
questions which, left unsettled. would have present
ed constantly possibilities Of war. .4
Out of the Genoa conference has come-noth-
ing? Scarcely that but at any rate it can be said
that there has not resulted from the Genoa confer
ence the definite settlement of a single important
international question.
In the results Of the Washington conference
the world has abundant cause for qualification; and
in the manner in which it was handled, as well as in
the spirit which gave it birth, the American people
have cause, not for conceit, but for honest pride.
That conference will stand as. one Of the 5milestones
on the road OF human progress, and in initiating and
directing it America has. performed a service to civil
%ization: the value of which it IS impossible to es-
innate. - t
In making comparisons and estimating values
as between the two conferences we must remember
that wefare comparing things which are unlike, and
in our conclusions. The procedure and the results
at the two conferences were bound to differ because
the problems which were presented were different.
The Washington conference was called to deal with
a specific issue, an issue made up of several items,
but the items in which were all related and intcrde-
pendent, and an Issue % local in character as any
issue involving international relations can well be.
J. The Genoa conference was exactly the re-
verse of this. 1t dealt with the affairs, of sa~large
number of nations, great and small, crowded to-
gether in one little corner of the earth's surface,
where politics and, economies reacted upon each
other at every turn, and where the disturbing and
disintegrating influence of the war has left every
thing at SKIES and sevens.
In making any estimate of the wisdom Of max
ing the attempt which was made lat Genoa; and of
n SNHrACeE n TeS1N10ar ~ %hN% <ns~~ see. ~....A 49,
into account the conditions in Europe and the op-
pressive weight which those conditions imposed on,
all the European nations and the complications
which surrounded any proposal for reform and relief
which could possibly be made. IF we are disap-
pointed that not more was accomplished, and most
{of US are, we, must remember that no conference Of
nations ever before undertook a work of such great
difficulty, not merely because of the magnitude of
the task, but of the manner in which its ~complica-
tons and difficulties were 4 "
At some time or other, and the sooner the bet
ter, the affairs of Europe must be Slaughtered out.
The process involves, among other things, a read
justment of the affairs of Russia. Continuance Of
the present conditions in Russia is a menace to the
peace of every country adjoining Russia, and the
disruption of peace in any part of Europe is a mat
ter of the gravest concern, not to Europe alone, but
to the world. One great need is for the cessation of
all existing military enterprises and the prevention
OF new ones; The economic situation, the political
situation and the military situation are inextriicably
- ~"AN 49, = ol IL " I'LL
mediate and pressing importance.
The Genoa conference approached a situation,
not necessarily hopeless, but grave, complicated
and full Of danger. That it has not accomplished
more is to be regretted. But it is a mistake to say
that it has accomplished nothing Of value: It, has
shed. additional light on the purposes and methods
Of the Soviet group in Russia so that there is now a
better understanding Of the manner in which. Rus
sian questions must be approached. 1t has served
notice on the Soviet authorities that if they wish
recognition political or: economic, from the world,
they must quit talking distractions and come to the
point. Without developing anything new as to the
American attitude It has brought forth such a re-
statement of that attitude that it is now recognized
that Americas position is unchanged and inchange.
able in sofa as the essentials are concerned. The
conference has at least brought forth tentative
agreements in the interest of peace. And, while the
original. conference has adjourned, its work,is not
done, Tor the, Hague gathering will be a continuation
Of it, and at that meeting problems which have moi
yet yielded to treatment will be taken Up III the light
81 new knowledge; and with the background Of the
Genoa aa discussions forsrcference and guidance.