The Omaha morning bee. [volume] (Omaha [Neb.]) 1922-1927, 1923-07-08
Approval of
Pact
Welcomed
Uncertainty Regarding Dis
position Of American Fight
ing Ships Dispelled by Ac-
ton of French Chamber.
Big Diplomatic Victory
BY Associated Press.

Washington, July Word that the
French chamber of deputies had rati-
fled the naval limitation treaty was
received here as one of the most en-
reached Washington from abroad for
many a day. For many reasons. not
all of which have been apparent on
the surface of events, favorable ac-
tion by France has been awaited with
unusual concern. Although the
French senate still must give its as
sent before the circle of ratifying
be little apprehension among Ameri-
can officials of serious opposition or
delay in that quarter.
Foremost among the causes for
qualification here is that French ac-
ceptance of the treaty will put the
cap sheaf on the most porteitous
diplomatic undertakings of the Har-
ding administration by actually Civ
ing vitality to Washington confer
ence plan to end competitive building
of first line ships of war All the
other signatories, Great Britain,
Japan. Italy and the United States,
already have ratified and are await
ing only the pledge of France TO put
the Washington program into effect.
Uncertainty Cleared Up.
Beyond this. there is a measurable
degree of relief among practical navy
men at the prospect that the uncer-
taipty which has surrounded Ameri-
can naval policy for more than year
soon may be cleared away and the
expense of keeping in a state of
suspended animation, naval units des-
tined to be scrapped, may be erased
from the balance sheet. A compre-
hensive plan for putting the new pro-
gram into effect. including details of
scrapping the discarded vessels, has
been on file in the Navy department
for months awaiting the word OF exc
cution.
Still another element contributed to
the favorable reaction aroused here
by the French element. and an ele-
ment of which officials will say little,
lies in the unusual state of world
diplomacy. During the last few
months it has been an open secret
in diplomatic circles. at least, that
the delay OF France was looked upon
as a possible factor in the general
policy it has followed In dealings with
its allies. Again and again French
statesmen have denied that failure 70
ratify the treaty had any connection
with the French effort to bring Great
Britain to it's way of thinking about
the Ruhr. but the denials have not
served to entirely set at rest specula-
ton on the part of diplomatic repre-
sentatives OF other powers.
Hints Given France.
1t is certain that during the long
wait for French approval of the
Washington agreement. the other
disappointment become well under
stood at Paris. In some quarters 1t
was suggested that a broad hint as
to the attitude Of japan was con
veyed to the French capital less
than a week ago by a story amanat-
ing from Toxic, to the effect that the
japanese government expected to APP
proach the United States and Great
Britain on the subject OF reducing
the five.power treaty to a three-pow-
er basis.
1t is assumed here that any such
plan now will disappear II the action
'of the French chamber really re
fleets a purpose to complete ratifi.
cation. There are some officials who
are not entirely confident that the
French senate will take the requisite
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