New Britain herald., 1925-02-18
London, Paris, Tokio And Other Capitals Informally Approach ed But No Formal Negotiations Are Un- der Way.
America Seeks to Learn if Nations Which Blocked Scope of Last Session Have Changed Their Viewpoint.
By The Associated Press.

ny The Associated Press.
 Washington, Feb. 1S.-The prin- cipal powers have been approached by the United States on the subject of a new arms conference.
 Thus far the discussions have not reached the advanced point char acterized by diplomatists as formal negotiations" but they have been followed up quietly and consistently in all the principal capitals of the world.
 Officials here will not discuss what obstacles may have been encounter- ed, or what measure of success may appear to be held out by the ex- changes up to the present.
 The state department after being advised that an announcement of the move had been made by for eign Secretary Chamberlain in the house of commons in London, re- vealed that similar conversations had taken place in Paris, Tokio and other capitals, but would not com ment further.
 Want to Get Views.
 Thesfeelers that have been put out by Washington are intended to develop if there has been any change in the attitude of foreign countries who blocked at the time of the Washington arms conference the Emulation of any class of land or sea armament except capital ships.
 It is the first desire of Presiden. Coolidge 10 secure an agreement which will end competition in aux Hilary naval craft. If something can be done, too, to limit land arma- ments, such a step would be well come here; but the Washington gov ernment is inclined to regard that problem as European question.
 No Change in Policy
 It was emphasized today at the White House that the informal dis cussions now in progress do not mean a departure from the policy announced long ago by Mir. Cool idge. He told congress last De- cember he would call a conference if an opportune moment presented itself but at that time preferred to await the outcome of the confer- ence project launched by the league of nations.
 All recent indications from Euro- pean capitals have been that the move contemplated at Genoa has diminishing chances of success, and now faces a possibility of postpone- ment until December. at least.
 In these circumstances, American diplomatic representatives have asked in an informal way for an expression of view. It was de- clared at the White House that it would be incorrect to say that the conversations had been any more definite, or had gone any further.
 An indication that the proposed conference. would relate only to auxiliary naval craft is seen in the known belief of Secretary Hughes that land armaments is essentially European question. It was in- cluded in the agenda of the Wash ington conference, but dropped 'im- mediately on the statement of the French delegation of it's unwilling ness to go into the subject at that time.
 In view of this it had been held by Washington officials that the in itiative for a land ornaments lini- tation conference could come with hopes of success only from Europe and the league project has been watched closely for that reason.
 The state departments announces ment today that the move had not yet reached the stage of formal diplomatic correspondence. indi- cates, nevertheless, that a far ad- vance may have been made. In the case of project of the propor- tlons of a world conference the real understandings always are placed in the preliminary feeling out process" which diplomatists call inforInal Obviously no nation would take the risk of having an invitation to such a conference refused, and conse- uuently it IS the custom to ascer- tain in advance "informally' wheth- CT invitations would be acceptable.