Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1922-10-26
CENTRAL AMERICAN
ARMAMENT FARLEY
TO Be DECEMBER 4
Meeting in Washington May
Be First Step Towards For
nation of Pan-AmeriCan
Union of Nations
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26.-By the

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26.-(By the
oc:ated Press Wide possibili-
ties affecting relations between
all countries on the Americ---l CONT
nel.ts may be involved in the Cen
trail American conference called to
meet in Washington ecember 4, for
the discussion among other things.
of a plan for limitation of arma-
ments.
In Latin-American circles here
today the opinion was expressed
that the conference might prove a
step toward the formation of pan
American association of nations.
It was pointed out that the agenda
of the conference, as outlined in
Secretary Hughes invitation to the
Central American powers, is Of such
scope as to permit discussion of any
subject Of mutual interest to the ma
tons participating. II view of this,
and because of the recent suggestion
OF Chile for a South American agree
ment on limitation OF armament,
and the movement in Uruguay for a
Pan-Amer:can league a. a peace
measure, it would cause little sur
prise in government circles here II
the Central American conference
Hade at least testative suggestions
for 4 later general agreement among
ali Latin-American countries. Natu-
rally such a step would be depend
ent upon the success Of tie Central
American conference which is con-
f1dently expected Al government and
diplomatic circles in Washington.
The Central American conference
will deal only with land arma-
nnent since none of the five coun-
tries invited has Il navy. les
resultin., from the conference might
we'll provide, however, it WIS sug-
gested, that none of these countries
should at any time plan naval eX-
pend lures except for necessary po-
lice work in their waters.
Extent OF Forces
The land force is involved If the
Central American discussion are
small compared to those maintained
in South America. The largest
authorized regular army strength is
that of Salvador, with $500 N,
backed by a force of 23,G00~ trained
reserves which includes the national
police and the national guard. The
national g ard is volunteer body,
but Salvador employs the compul-
sorry military service policy and it is
estimated to have about 10. 900 I'M
trained reservists.
Guatemala has an authorized
standing army of 5000 and approx
n1ately $500 Ountrained reserves;
Hondur; g 1900 regulars with about
1900 trained reserves and 21.500
unframed; Nicaragua 1000 regulars
d $4,000 reserves trained AID I'M
trained; Costa Rica 400 regulars as
the maximum number the executive
may maintain in service in peace
time, but which may be increased
to 5000 in case of war or internal
disorder; 1000 first line reserves and
estimated force of $4,000 untrain
ed reserviSts.
All five of the Central American
countries maintain their - ~ very
largely for Internal purposes and
the forces are not organized or
equipped for foreign was. It is this
situativ1, which pesents to Latin
Anne an diplomatists here me great
hope of a definite limitation \
de nding.
AS sponsor for the Central Ameri
can conference, it is regarded as pos
sible in some quarters that he Unit
G States may ultimately be asked
TO assume some liability in connec
ton with any pact that might re-
suit, calculated % maintain peace.
: .urally the moral influence of the
United States would be brought to,
bear should any power sign-tory to
such ; pact be inclined to disregard
it. It is suggested further that the
confereI &c might propose to make
its decisions as to armament limita
ton contingent in some degree upon
assurances from the Cnitsd States,
first that no aggressive move
against any manner of the Central
American group by amy outside
country could go unchallanged by
the United States; and, second, that
American .,Uod offices at least would
be used to support the ct within
Central America.
NO Hint OF ACTION
No hint has been gwen as yet as
to what plan of action Mr.. Hughes
might have to suggest should he, as
is expected, open the conference
when it meets in December. There
Is some feeling, however, that a
natural and direct outcome of the
discussion well might be a proposal
to re-establish the Central Amer can
court of justice to weigh disputes be-
tween the five nations and aid in
peacefll settlements. This court
lapsed by time limitations of the
agreement creating it some time
agJ.
It is credited in Washington, how
ever, with having prevented at least
two Central American revolutions
and with other important contribu
tons toward peace.
While the Washington govern
ment probably will not be a direct
participant in the conference, it
seems likely that all of the informa-
ton and agencies of the United
States will be put at the disposal of
the conferees. In addition, the fact
that tn. conference is to r held in
Washington is expected to 60 far
toward preventing a rupture on any
point until every possibility of adj
1ustment has been exhausted.
The forthcoming conference was
described at the White House today
~ an extension of the drive OF the
American government against large
ornaments. The United States gov
eminent, it was declared, believes
the conference will achieve impor-
tan accomplishments not only III
the reduction of the armies of the
invited republics. but IN sterilization
OF those countries economically and
politically.
President Harding, it was said
would he glad if the negotiaticr.s