Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-04-14
DAWES MAY HELP
! SOLVE ARMS ROW
England Looks to New AM
bassador to Aid in Ending
! Naval SquabbIe.
BY A. G. GARDINER.

BY Radio to The Star.
LONDON, April 13.-Appointmen OF
Charles G. Dawes as American Am
baSsador to London has been received
here with general satisfaction, for his
association with the indemnity scheme
which rescued Europe from the worst
phases Of postwar catastrophe has
given him a unique place in the pub
lie mind. This, coupled with the cir
encourages the highest expectations In
regard to settlement of the naval is
sue and the establishment of Anglo
American relations on a new and per-
hA1nent basis.
4 These expectations are enhanced by
oAs presence of Hugh Gibson as Amer
Ean observer at the meeting Of the pre-
paratory disarmament commission
which opens in Geneva on Monday.
1t is recognized that Mr.. Gibson's
presence is technically unofficial, but his
confidential relationship with President
Hoover lends significance to his choice
as envoy, and it is understood here that
he is invested with full powers to en-
gage in conversations with the British
representatives. which should pave the
way to reassembly Of the naval con-
ference.
Chamberlain Is Blamed.
Failure of the naval conference con-
Vened by President Coolidge has lett
behind feeling of profound d1sap-
pointment, which will have an impor-
tant effect on the course OF the COM
ing British elections. Apart from the
dominating issue of unemployment, no
consideration will play a greater part
in the fate of the Conservative govern
ment than the widespread dissatisfac-
ton which prevails in regard to Sir
Austen Chamberlain'S subservlence 10
France and his mishandling OF the An
glo-American situation.
In this matter both the opposition
parties are united and in his speech
before the Liberal council WEDNESDAY
lord Grey concentrated his indictment
of the government largely on the Amerl-
can question and on the undue author
ity allowed the admiralty in regard TO
naval relations with Washington. HIS
lpsistence that a naval understanding
with the United States Is matter not
for technical experts but for statesmen,
n now almost universally accepted, ana
whatever government comes INTO power
ut the next election will certainly have
this point Of view.
It is recognized that no agreement IS
attainable on the basis Of comparative
ornaments and that the business OF
both countries is to get away from TINS
exasperating and improbable contro-
versv and to pledge the outlawing of the
use OF naval ornaments, in pursuit OF
the national policy of the respective
countries. Such an animation would
be a natural expression of the spirit OF
the Kellogg pact and would, ipso facto,
go far to solve the problem OF freedom
of the seas and set up system OF sea
law which would tend more and more
to convert the navies of the world into
a police force for conserving the COM
mon peace.
Move Rests With England.
In informed circles here the most
favorable impression prevails in regard
to President Hoover's desire to reopen
the naval negotiations and in regard
to the concessions he is supposed to De
prepared to consider; but the move IS
with England. Whether this move Tor
reopening the conference can be prop
erly taken by the government on the
eve of the election soon to be held Is
doubtful, though merely as an cleo
pioneering consideration Premier Bald-
win is fully aware Of the importance OF
removing the present feeling OF DIS.
satisfaction in the country at the naval
impasse with America.
Mr.. Baldwin is equally aware that
the dictatorship Of the admiralty has
never been so unpopular in the country
as now. The German menace is gone
and the public mind revolts from con-
temptation of future overshadowed by
the development of another menace,
which it is convinced can be dissipated
by wise craftsmanship now.
Moreover, the astonishing growth OF
aviation has changed the whole prob
lem of war and has turned popular APP
prehension from the sea to the air, with
consequent Disagreement of the claims
of the admiralty to sole dictatorship OF
the defensive requirements of the nation.
In view of all this, it Is certain that
whatever government reopens the new
naval conference it will be in an entire
~ different spirit from the last The
vain squabble over tonnage is dead and
a nv u