New-York tribune., 1922-07-05
Joint Defense
Aim of British
DisarmingP Ian
Regional Aid Proposal of
Lord Robert Cecil 10 the
League Said to Meet Main
Objections of America
u. S. Independent Area
Germany and Russia Would
BE Eligible; French Greet
the Suggestion With Favor

PARIS. July 4 (By The Associate d
press),--The plan for general world
disarmament, which was laid before the
temporary mixed commission on dis
armament Of the League of Nations
yesterday afternoon ty Lord Robert
| Cecil of Great Britain, was presented
| IN full detail at this mornings session
| OF the commission. This plan is said
to have been favorably received by
most of the delegates.
All nations, according to Lord Rob
erts plan, would sign a general dis
/ armament agreement and would agree
to go to the defense of nations in their
/ respective regions or continents in
| case OF aggression.
The principal American objection to
Article X Of the League OF Nations, it
is held, would be met by this regional
defensive plan, in IS much as the United
| States is already committed to sim
liar policy on the American continent
under the Monsoe Doctrine. and Lord
Roberts plan is designed to limit each
nations obligations in defensive all-
ances to such regions.
| Lord Roberts plan provides for q
| permanent militay commission to be
the active controlling authority, subiec;
to, approval by the council of the
League of aNtions. The commission
would determine whether the contract.
ing powers were complying with the
agreement for reduction Of armaments
and whether any states preparations
constituted menace, and if so, what
measures the other nations should take
to aid the state so menaced. These
measures would be binding upon the
aiding powers when approved by g
three-fourths majority OF the council
The plan divides the world into fou,
regions--America, Europe. Asia and
Africa. Only the powers in each region
would be obligated to aid a men
aced nation upon the commissions rec
commentator, approved by the league
council. The reduction of armaments
would be determined in advance and
constantly checked up, and if any ma.
tion exceeded the amount of armaments
allowed under the agreement it woulc
be subject to suspension from protec
tion and to penalties provided for un
der Article XI of the covenant of the
League of Nations. The reduction
would apply to naval, military and all
forces.
Germany and Russia Eligible
All members of the League of Nations
ard the United States, Germany and
Russia are eligible to enter the pro-
posed agreement and any of these might
adhere to it only partially if the Coun-
Gil should approve such action and il
specified reductions in armaments are
made.
All disputes as to the meaning and
+, effect Of the treaty, except in deciding
whether armaments exceed the amount
allowed, shall be submitted to the Per-
manent Court Of international Justice
for final decision.
The plan submitted by Lord Esher is
only in outlined form. 1t provides for
ratio similar to that stipulated in
the Washington Conference agreement.
Lord Esher's plan gives the tentative
ratios as follows, each unit represent
ing 10000 men: France, units; Italy,
4; Poland, a; Czecho-Slokavia, Great
Britain, Greece, Jugo-Slavia, Holland,
Rumania and Spain, 8 each; Belgium,
Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Swift
zerland, 2 each; Portugal, l unit, and
Germany, Austria, Bulgaria and Hun