The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1922-10-27
PAN-AMERICANS To
MEET IN CONFERENCE
May Be Step Toward Close
Association Of West
ern People.


sibilities affecting relations between
all countries on the American con-
tinents may be involved in the Cen
trail American conference called to
meet in Washington December 4
for the discussion among other
things of a plan for limitation of ar
maments.
In Latin American circles here to-
day. the opinion was expressed that
the conference might prove step to-
ward the formation of a pan-Amer-
lean Association of Nations.
1t was pointed out that the agenda
of the conference. as outlined in Sec
rotary Hughes invitation to the Cen
trale Am srican Powers, is of such
scope as to permit discussion of any
subject of mutual interest to the ma
tions participating. In view of this.
and because of the recent suggestion
of Chile for a South American treaty
on limitation of armament, and the
movement in Uruguay for a Pan
American league as a peace measure,
il would cause little surprise in gov
eminent circles here if the Central
American conference made at least
tentative suggestions for a later gen.
eral agreement among all Latin
American countries. Naturally such
a step would be dependent upon the
success of the Central American con-
ference which is confidently expected
in government and diplomatic circles
in Washington.
To Deal With Land Armament.
The Central American conference
will deal only with land armament,
since none of the five countries in
vited has a navy. Treaties resulting
from the conference might well pro-
vide, however. 1t was suggested, that
none Of these countries should at any
time plan naval expenditures, except
for necessary police work in their
waters.
The land forces involved in the
Central ANN rican discussion are
small compared TO those maintained
in South America. The largest au-
thorized regular army strength is
that of Salvador, with $500 men.
backed by force of $4,000 trained
reserves and 10000 unframed re-
serves.
Guatemala has an authorized
standing army OF 5000 ,and aproxi-
mately $4,000 unframed reserves;
Honduras 1900 regulars, with about
$4,000 trained reserves and 21,500
unframed; Nicaragua 1000 regulars
and I1S.00O reserves trained and un-
trained; Costa Rica 500 regulars as
the maximum number in peace time.
but which may be increased to 5000
in case of war or internal disorder,
| 1000 first-line reserves and $4,000
unframed reservists.
L. 5. May Assume Liability.
AS sponsor for the Central Ameri-
can conference it is regarded as pos
sible in some quarters that the Unit
ed States may ultimately be asked to
assume some liability in connection
with any pact that might result cal
culated to maintain peace. Natural
/ ly, the moral influence of the Unit
| ed States would be brought to bear
should any power signatory to such
pact be inclined to disregard it,
II is suggested further that the con-
! ference might propose to make its
decisions as to armament limitation
contingent in some degree upon the
assurances from the United States
! first, that no aggressive move against
any members OF the Central Ameri-
can group by any outside country
could go unchallenged by the United
States, and, second, that American
good offices at least would be used
to support the pact within Central
America.
No hint has been given as yet as
to what plan of action Mr.. Hughes
might have to suggest should he, as
expected, open the conference
when 1t meets in December. There |
Is some feeling however, that a natu- /
raj aud direct outcome OF the dis !.
cussion well might be proposal TO
re-establish the Central American
Court OF Justice to weigh disputes
between the five nations and aid in
peaceful settlements. This court
lapsed by time limitation OF the
agreement creating II some time ago. ,