Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1922-11-03
Takes No Action
For Fifth Congress
Latin-American Countries Delay Pro-
cedure Because No Word Is
Given ENJOYS Here.
(RY Isaac Greggl

Washington, Nov. 3.-Owing to the
fact that some Of the Latin-Amerl>
can governments have not sent in.
structions to their diplomatic repre-
sentatives here regarding the tentG>
tive program submitted to them
several months ago for the fifth Pan
American Congress to be held in
Santiago, Chile, nexc March, the
governing board of the Pan-Ameri-
can Union has not taken any action
in the matter.
While no official announcement is
forthcoming it is understood that tho
delay on the part of some of the
Pan-American governments in max
ing reply to the proposed program
lis because they are giving further
consideration to the question of re-
duction Of army and navy expendl-
lures which Chile has suggested as
one of the topics for discussion at
the Santiago meeting. Some of
these countries, it is learned, are
awaiting reports from their delegates
TO the League Of Nations as to the
action Of the disarmament commits
sion Of the League on this subject.
At the meeting Of the disarmament
commission, for instance, the repre-
sentative Of Brazil protested on be-
half of his government to a plan of
international disarmament submitted
which would have prevented Brazil
from adding anything to ner naval
strength. building a navy ward or ne
val station any place in Brazil A
feeling mas developed among some Of
the Latin-American nations that the
disarmament plan is being advanced
by Chile because that country has
everything tc gain by reduction in
armament on the basis Of present
strength and the other countries
have everything to lose.
The Chilean army and the Chilean
navy are today regarded by experts
as the most efficient in South Amer
lea, while some of the other South
American countries are just begin
ming to develop military and naval
programs commensurate with their
size and Importance. Brazil in par
ticular has become thoroughly
aroused to the weakness of her pres
ent position and public sentiment in
that country apparently is almost
unanimous that her national defense
much be strengthened.
This policy is further revealed by
the action of the Brazilian govern
ment in negotiating for an American
avail mission which is to 20 to Brazil
to assist in the REORGANIZATION Of
that country's navy. The agreement
concluding arrangements for this
special mission is to be signed by
the Brazilian Ambassador shortly
and by Secretary Of State Hughes.
The present policy Of national de-
fense Of Brazil is based on the az
sumption that if Brazil should have
a foeign war her enemv would be
Argentine. probably in alliance with
Chile. Since the Chilean army and
navy are superior. theoretically at
least. to that Of Brazil, and the Ar.
pontine forces approximately equal
those of Brazil. there is apparently
sonre ground for the uneasiness on
the part of the Brazilian people
Plans are already practically COM
plete for a modern tleet base at me
northern entrance Of Santa Catherine
Straits. Brazil. with ADEQUATE mining
for both eds of the Straits. Another
new base is planned for the vicinity
of Rio de JaneirO.
Brazil aspires for the leadership OF
Latin-America, an ambition which
the Brazilians believe is warranted
by her area, population and geo
graphical position. Her military
forces at present consist Of regular
army Of $4,000 men. with trained re-
serves Of $4,000, and unframed re-
serves Of approximately 100000. Her
navy consists of two battleshios, two
coast defense vessels. four light erul-
ers. ten destrOvers, one torpedo boat,
three submarines and four river gun
boats, uper-dreadnaught of 10000
tons and other vessels Of lesser irl-
pOrtance.
Greenland is Denmark's only col