Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-11-07
Friendly Spirit Obtained for
Discussions by Italy
and France.
OFFICIAL WASHINGTON
BECOMES OPTIMISTIC
Nations Realize Disastrous Effect
of Another War-Business Depres-
sion Demands Disarmament.
BY CONSTANTINE BROWN.

Official washington, inspired by the
moral success of Ambassador Hugh S.
Gibson's intercession between France
and Italy, entertains the hope that the
Preparatory Disarmament Commission
will be the last of its kind.
The United States, through its AM
bassador, Mr.. Gibson, who is Ambas-
sador to Belgium and is recognized as
a foremost authority on matters of dis
armament, contributed in the last two
weeks to lessening of the deadlock
between France and Italy regarding
their naval programs. Ambassador
Gibson has met with a very cordial
reception in both Paris and Rome.
Although he has not been able to bring
the Italian and French points Of view
much closer, his mission cannot be
considered a failure. He has proved
to Premier Andre Tardieu and to
Benito Mussolini that the United States
is following the situation very closely
and sympathetically and is willing to
do all 1t can to help both these Latin
countries to settle their differences.
Friendly spirit Is Obtained.
In spite of the fact that Mr.. Gibson
has not been able to achieve positive
results, a feeling of optimism prevails
in official circles here. Mr.. Gibson has
pointed out very clearly the tremendous
risks the whole world, and especially
Europe, Is running If France and Italy
fail to settle their naval problems, thus
clearing the way to a general disarma-
ment conference
For the time being italy and France
maintain theoretically the same posi-
ton they had before Mr.. Gibson saw M.
Tardieu and Signor Mussolini. That is
to say, Italy maintains its claim to
theoretical parity with France, which
the latter refuses to accept. But what
Is encouraging is that both premiers
have agreed to reopen negotiations and
discuss the matter in a friendly spirit.
This is considered here as greatly inn
portant, especially since Signor Mus
solini had declared before the Grand
Fascist Council that italy must main
tain its claim to parity with France and
the French interpreted that declaration
as shutting the door to any further
discussions.
Outcome Thought Optimistic.
There are two reasons why Washing
considering the outcome of the Geneva
parleys with certain degree OF optl-
mism. They are:
/. Both France and italy are begin
ming to see clearly that a new armed
conflict in Europe would end dis
astrously for both the victorious and
the defeated nations. They realize that
the entire political and social structure
of Europe would be changed as re-
suit of a new war. France Is begin
ming to realize that with Germany.
Russia, America and Great Britain an
clamoring for disarmament, she cannot
remain for a long time alone in con-
tinuing to arm.
2. Italy is anxious to reduce arma-
ment because of her very bad economic
and financial condition. France is tor
the time being solid financially. but M.
Tardieu Is beginning to realize that the
wave of economic depression is bound
TO hit France sooner or later. II France
were to continue to spend moneys on
armament on the scale she Is doing
now there may come time when she
will not be able to confront serious
economic depression, and M. Tardleu
knows this.
Tardieu Avoids Costly Ships.
M. Tardieus reluctance to accept
the suggestion that France should build
her three battleships in accordance with
the Washington treaty and build only
100000 tons of auxiliary vessels more
than Italy is due to the fact that he
wants to avoid If possible building those
very costly capital ships. He Is re-
ported to have stated that this solution
of saving the face of Italy might prove
too costly for France. The fact that
France has begun to think about how
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