The New York herald., 1922-11-12
Policy of Preparedness
Seems to Please Civic Fed
Grafton Delegates.
GOMPERS BACKS LEAGUE
Bishop Cannon Insists 1t Is
Americas Duty to Help Sup
press Turks Forcibly.

to the minute from the hour of the
Armistice, Gen. John J. Pershing,
speaking before the National Civic
Federation at the Hotel Astor, began
an earnest plea for America to aban-
don its "fallacious, fatuous and fool
ish" policy Of disarmament and 70
adopt a program for preparedness to.
defend the national life of the United
States and to prevent the unnecessary
penalties in lives that the A. e. F. paid
in France.
Gen. Pershing was the principal
speaker at the closing session of the
special conference on the extent to
which America should participate IN
international affairs and on the limit
that should be placed on disarmament.
Gen. Pershing's view that the United
States should avoid foreign involve
ments threatening its sovereignty and
should strengthen its fighting force
seemed popular with the delegates,
who represented fifty-five national or
ganizations, with memberships total
ing more than 30,0o0,000.
"In the light Of the lessons OF the
world war which we entered without
men or organization, and the feeling
of utter helplessness that filled us with
dsmay at that time, we would fall
short of our duty if we do not provide
for adequate security at home" said
Gen. Pershing.
10
would seek 1t, but complete disarma-
ment on our part alone will never pre-
vent it.
"NegIect Is Unpardonable."
"Only last year the question Of gem
eral disarmament on land was broached'
but some of the nations interested de-
clined even to discuss 1t with US. We
are and have been in a practical state
OF disarmament, and now only a mod
crate measure of preparation is advo-
Gated as a national insurance.
ITO my mind. neglect would be un-
pardonable, and as proof offer for re-
view the tremendous cost Of hasty and
confused preparation for the world war
ing war debt that to-day hangs over US
like a pail.
THE world war has taught us that
we cannot regard with indifference the
gathering of war clouds in those regions
OF the world in which we do not appear
to be directly interested. For even with
the utmost desire to remain aloof, we
of a great principle. So we cannot re-
gard as irrelevant to our interests and
as matters OF no concern 10 our national
life the crises which periodically arise
over the storm centers OF international
strife
THE developments which have taken
place since the recent Turkish victory
over the Greeks have sufficiently indi~
Gated the danger which America runs OF
becoming involved in the tangled meshes
OF this racial, religious and political
situation. Already strong pressure has
been exerted for our Intervention. De-
Inands are daily made that an American
military force be despatched for partici-
patton in behalf of our former allies"
Cites Dangers Throughout World.
Cen Pershing mentioned the dangers
presented by the disturbances in Cen
trail Europe as result or fiscal con-
ditions, and in the Far East, where the
interests of these great Asiauc nations
are involved. the situation offers no
reassuring prospects for a stable peace.
He continued.
IF | have considered IL pertinent to
indicate that we cannot regard with in
difference the developments taking place
around these storm centers. have done
so only with view of emphasizing the
close attention which they should re-
ceive that we may clearly understand
the issues at stake and thus avoid en-
tanglements adverse TO our own peaceful
purposes.
The doctrine OF internationalism has
found far too many advocates IN our
midst, and not alone among those who
come to us with Interior purposes, but
among many OF our own people. While
eagerly wishing TO associate ourselves in
any. clear understanding 10 promote
peace and good relations with every
other nation Il is vital that we always
mention the priceless heritage OF Ameri-
can nationalism.
IL we are to keep the faith OF our
fathers we cannot rest secure alone IN
tho certainty that the heart OF the
nation Is sound. for security depends on
rational policy OF national defense as
the orlv means whereby we can preserve
the things for which we stand.
~ - ON uuly 10 prevent OUT country
from paying unnecessary penalties
through future wars, not alone the
penalty in human lives but the penalty
measured by dollars and cents. We
cannot return TO prewar conditions, al
though from the unthinking we con-
stantly hear demands that we do so.
1T cannot be forgotten that with
those meager expenditures for military
purposes we found ourselves in a world
conflict entirely unprepared. Nor should
we blind ourselves to the fact that the
billions expended as result would have
provided adequate readiness In time Of
peace for a hundred years, and might
even have made. our participation un-
necessary"
Gen. Pershing explained the needs OF
America from defensive standpoint.
lie said II should include "A reasonable
nucleus for the developmentof an army
completely equipped and well ball
anced and fully manned navy within
the limits of international agreement
and adequate means for transporting an
army and supplying both an army snd
navy abroad.
1T Is folly not to profit by the les
sons OF experience" he said. "as IL