Evening star., 1923-01-28
BY BEN McKELWAY,

N the belief that disposal through
arbitration Of the Tacna-Arica
question has cleared the way for
permanent peace In South Amer
lea, Chile, third strongest in point of
armament Of the Latin-American re-
publfcs and author of the proposal
now part of the program of the
NTH Pan American congress in San
ttago next March for a reduction of
| land ornaments. will reduce her own
army regardless Of the action Of the
congress. Looking on her proposal
purely as an economic expedient. she
is determined to lead the way-inde-
pendently, IL necessary-in a move
ment which is gaining favor steadily
as the time approaches for it's formal
discussion by delegates from all but
two Of the American republics. Peru
and Mexico have declined Chile's invi-
tation to send representatives.
Chile's attitude emphasizes an i'm
portant aspect Of her proposal. An
agreement reached at the congress to
reduce land armaments will not de-
pend upon unanimous action of the
countries represented. The decision
the participants. The delegates merely
transmit recommendations to their
governments. which accept or decline
them through legislative process
Should the congress recommend re-
duction Of armies. a member Is left
may possibly be a limitation of ar
mics by some of the republics and no
action by others.
Large Armies Not Needed.
Chile bases her decision, according
to the writer's informant. on the
fact that with disposal of the Tacna-
africa difficulty, there are no danger
Gus disputes left between any of the
American republics. The few re-
manning boundary difficulties are OF
minor Importance. Should the time
ever come when actual war threatens
in South America, 1t Is regarded as
the established policy of the United
States to exert every means 10 pre-
vent an actual outbreak of hostllities.
and there Is little doubt that the
means employed would be success
full.
II is contended, in other words, that
every political excuse for the main
tenance OF proportionately large ar
mics in South America has disap-
peared, and Chile is determined to
show her sincerity by acting alone.
should the congress in Santiago NOT
take kindly to her suggestion. But
there Is little likelihood that this will
be the case. Chile's suggestion, in
formally made to sound out the at
titude of her sister republics, came
not long after the auspicious close of
the Washington conference on limita-
tion of armament. 1t sprung, in meas
ure, from sentiment kindled
throughout all South America by the
Washington conference. Its formal
adoption in the program of the hfth
pan american congress preceded by
a few weeks the agreement which mas
just been reached among the Central
American republics, whose represent
atives are meeting in Washington
now, to cut down their armies. Senti-
ment in Latin America is favorable
Brazil, which maintains the largest
army in South America, has already
| indicated a favorable attitude by sug-
gesting a preliminary conference
with Argentina and Chile to draw up
a definite program for reduction to
, be presented to the congress. The
short time which intervenes before
the Santiago congress. however. prob
ably will prevent this preliminary
meeting, and In some quarters 1t is
not regarded as at all essential.
1t is fitting that Chile, one of the
most progressive of the South Ameri-