Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-12
Political Commitments Barred.

The United States definitely, accord
ing to dispatches from London, is not to
enter into any agreement at the London
Naval Conference involving political
commitments. This declination to en-
ter into such agreements includes Join
ing with France, Britain and italy in q
treaty providing for consultation" in
the event war Is threatened. The stand
taken by the American delegation at
London, which obviously must have the
Endorsement Of the national administra-
ton In Washington, is in line with the
traditional policy of the United States
to hold aloof from European politics and
entanglements with the nations Of the
old world.
France has put forward rs the price
Of her cutting her navy to figures which
are In accordance with the views Of the
British and the Americans a proposal
that some kind of security pact be
written. But the American delegates
have made It clear that If the United
States should enter into an agreement
for consultation in the event France
and another nation became involved In
serious disputes under such conditions,
the United States would be morally
bound TO 90 to the aid of France. For
IL would be said that France had re-
duced her naval tonnage, tonnage which
she might now build, with the under
standing that she was to have something
in exchange, and that that something
would be assistance in the event Of war.
In this light. the proposal for q con-
Sultive agreement assumes q very diff
ferent aspect from mere mutual agree
ment to discuss differences If war threat
ems. 1t Is an aspect which would make
this country loath to agree 10 o consult
i've treaty. For it would be regarded as
little short Of military alliance.
France Is demanding assurances Of
security" It has been the aim Of
France since the close Of the great war.
France has suffered often in the past,
the battlefield frequently Of Europe. It
Is possible to sympathize with her In
this demand. But the United States has
taken the position that the nations Of
Europe should make their own guaran-
tees, should adjust their differences
without drawing this country into the
vortex Of European politics. This is q
wise policy and one that Is not likely to
be abandoned.
Refusal of the United States to enter
into political commitments at the Lon
don Naval Conference was clearly indi-
Gated early in the sessions. It was
q matter that had to be threshed out.
II It Is found impossible for the British,
the French, the Italians and possibly
the spaniards TO arrange Q four-power
Mediterranean treaty. then in all prob
ability there win be no political agree
ments entered into at London. There
remains, however, the possibility of q
definite agreement TO limit the tonnage
Of the navies Of the I'VE powers taking
part. France may be willing to reduce
the figure set by her for total tonnage,
$4,000 tons, which seems excessive by
l00, 900 tons, it Is said. The hope Of the
nations is that not only will 1t be pos
sible TO NIX limits for the navies, but
also that 1t will be possible to bring a
measure Of reduction In the interests Of
peace and o relief Of the tax burdens
on the peoples Of these nations.