Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1922-02-08
EXPECT PACTS
TO Be OPPOSED
In THE Senate
Leaders Marshal Their
Forces for Fight on Rati-
fiCation of the Arms Con-
ference Treaties.
CBy The Associated Press9

Washington, Feb. Z (by the
Associated Press. Executive de-
partments Of the government took
steps today toward carrying out
the edicts Of the armament con-
ference without awaiting ratifica-
ton by the senate of the several
treaties, while the American dele
cation worked on their report to
be submitted to President Hard
ing and senate leaders began mar
shalling their forces for the fight
on ratification of the treaties.
Announcement was made that
the president had ordered discon-
tlnued all work on additional for
tifications on the Island of Guam
and in the Philippines Islands,
thus taking note of the clause in
the naval treaty which fixes a
status quo for these Pacific is
lands.
The president It was stated,
also would order suspended all
work on naval craft now building
which are destined for the scrap
heap under the five-power treaty
with Great Britain. France, Japan
and Italy. The final order to dis
continue such construction, how
ever, will not be issued until the
treaty is ratified, it was said.
Weeks Cancels Order.
Secretary Weeks, in further
ance of the presidents order re-
garding the Philippines, cancelled
the orders for sending new guns
to replace those in the fortlfica-
tons there. Secretary DENLY, also
announced that some military
equipment including mines for
Guam had been ordered returned.
Secretary Weeks said the orders
had been cancelled as an evidence
Of the good faith of this country
to carry out in spirit and letter
the provisions Of the naval treaty
respecting the Notifications of
Pacific islands.
Some discussion of the neces-
saIy strength of the armed forces
also developed today. At the
White House it was said Presi-
dent Harding believed some re-
auctions in the personnel of the
army and the navy would result
from the arms conference agree
ments but that they would be of
reasonable relatively"
The navy in his opinion. 1t was
said, should not go below 10000
men. as the minimum for safety.
May Present Report Friday.
The president intends to send
to the senate this week, all the
treaties but this was said at the
White House to depend on wheth-
err the report of the American
delegates was received by the
president by that time. Senator
Lodge, who called on the presi-
dent today, said later he hoped
the report would be presented
Friday The president, it was
said, would ask 'speediest posi-
BILE ratification" consistent with
the discussion required by the
senate on matters of such i'm
portance to the nations. The pres
ident was represented as feeling
that there was no need for reser-
vations being attached to any of
the treaties.
Senator Borah, republican, Ida
no, in a statement today called
for immediate translation of the
work of the conference into a
reduction of governmental expen-
ditures. He urged a further cut
in the army and demanded that
the American troops be returned
from the Rhine at once.
In furtherance of plans decided
on today by republican and demo-
cratic leaders in the senate, for
informal consideration Of the
treaties before they are taken up
on the floor, meetings to talk over
the work of the conference are
expected to be held early next
week.