Evening star., 1922-08-01
Lord Robert Cecil's Plan for Dis
armament Pleases.


armament Pleases.
The proposal made to the league
Of nations by Lord Robert Cecil that
it divide the world into four regions
of defense and proceed with a COM
prehensive program Of land 'disarma-
ment has found general approval so
far as the majority of American edi-
tors are concerned. They believe that
this suggested action is a direct fol-
low-up plan from the recent Washing
ton conference. 1t is practicable. they
assert, and would allow the various
nations to make a real start back
along the road toward normalcy. A
few editors oppose, insisting that the
league of nations is a failure and
that anything sponsored by it must
prove worthless.
The suggestion is distinctly en-
couraging." according to the Winni-
peg Tribune, because "the provision
to divide the world into four regions
Of defense, given as America. Europe,
Asia and Africa would meet the pos
sible objection Of the United States
to being obligated to take part in
wars abroad. United States obli-
cations would be simply In accord
great work of world organization for
the maintenance of order perma-
nent military commission would be
the active controlling authority. sub
ject to the approval by the, council
of the league of nations. The COM
contracting powers were complying
with the agreement for reduction of
armaments and whether any states
preparations constituted menace.
Human nature cannot endure the
strain of another war. The time is
here when this civilized world must
adjust itself toward something like
world order to be precipitated into the
abyss" And the New York Post be-
lieves that "the new disarmament
a more difficult problem than that
taken up at Washington. Nothing
could be harder to devise than an ac-
ceptable scheme for ending heavy
military armaments on the conti-
nent.
practical body. It has prevented
three wars. created an international
court of justice. is governing con-
siderable part of Europe and has
formulated a sound program OF eco
nomic restoration" The swing to-
ward disarmament is noticeable. the
Buffalo News Is convinced, though
sit may be too much to hope that
diplomatic thought can give way at
once to a general opinion for dis
armament. But the suggestions made
at Paris are heartening. The league
can vindicate its right to existence
by doing something practical in this
direction. A fair start will justify it
in the eyes of America"
The suggestion is another step for
ward from the policy adopted at the
Washington conference. and the As
bury Park Press points out that,
with this arrangement in force,
armament reduction would go for
ward Systematically, and would be
checked up constantly to make sure
that no nation was exceeding its
legitimate defensive needs. The
United States apparently is to be in
vited to adhere to the plan. while
should not be offensive even to the
die-hards, who fear for Americas
safety If she departs from her policy
of isolation" The st. Louis Post
Dispatch suggests that sentiment
toward an association of nations as
growing. The Harding administra-
Pacific treaties and the suggestion
of one is constantly recurring in
the speeches of republican leaders
The organization of The Hague court
contained an irresistible appeal for
American cooperation. NoY comes
the appeal to join in general arms
limitation and peace guarantees
which offer the only solution Of the
problem Of rehabilitation. which is
absolutely necessary to the full re-
vival of prosperity. How long can
we stand apart sa from such aha vital
man welfare?"
"such a step by the conflicting ma
tions of Europe would be the great
est move toward the peaceful mil
lennium In history" says the Lansing
State Journal. but as soon as such
Ing from others that war still threat
ems. Europe always trembles on
the brink of war. One great con-
'lict does not bring universal peace
as it promises. but creates new
causes for lighting. The United
States is fortunate to be out Of the
World points out. "the reduction Of
sea armament was the subject Of
the Washington conference called by
Mr.. Harding. Like action on land
is as important 1t Is the duty of
the league Of nations to attempt it.
The United States does not recognise
the leagues existence" while the
Charleston News and Courier insists
that mo reasonable person win criti-
cize the administration for proceed
ing with due deliberation, but It
seems tribe unfortunate that the
frst reaction to the. Cecil plan at
ooidnsss toward II" and the hope ID
expressed that the plan 'may be kept
alive until that time somewhere In
the future when our government viii