Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-03
Optimism at London.

Secretary Adams in his radio address
delivered In London on the Naval Limi-
tation Conference sounded O note of
real hope for success. His statement
that the conference will "sit till it
settles" is indicative Of the attitude OF
the members Of the delegations at
tending the conference. As Mr.. Adams
said, If there were not problems re-
quiring study and adjustment, there
would be no point to holding a con-
ference; the same end could be &C.
complished by mail. Success in Lon
don means so much to the nations in
volved and to the whole world that
the spirit Of determination running
through the address of the American
Secretary of the Navy is encouraging.
It comes at q time when many rumors
of failure have been put forward, even
to the length Of predicting that the
conference would dissolve without a
settlement or agreement. AS Mr..
Adams pointed out, much already has
been accomplished in London. 1t has
been unfortunate that reversalS of the
French government in Paris have pre-
vented the continuity of deliberations
Of the conferees. But even the time
which has elapsed since a halt was
called on meetings Of all the delega-
tons has been utilized by the dele
cations to iron out some of the points
Of difference existing between the
nations.
Warnings of the dire effects of failure
at the London Conference have been
sounded by Senator Borah of idaho,
chairman Of the foreign relations COM
mittee, and by twelve hundred promi-
nent men and women Of this country,
who Joined in an appeal cabled to the
American delegation yesterday. Sena-
tor Borah is an ardent advocate of arms
reduction. He is, however, strongly OPP
posed to the involvement Of the United
States IN any political commitments on
the part Of this country. The appeal
signed by the twelve hundred men and
women and sent to the American dele
cation. however, says:
"As fundamental basis for reduc-
ton Of ornaments, we urge the i'm
portance Of taking steps at the London
conference to utilize the principle of
joint conference in the case of disputes
which otherwise might lead to war"
The French, according to dispatches
from abroad, have been insistent upon
an agreement which would provide for
joint conference Of the nations in the
event of threat Of war. Such an
agreement, it Is said, becomes necessary
If France is to reduce the total tonnage
demands which she has put forward
at the conference. And if there is nc
reduction Of this total tonnage, there is
danger that Britain may feel compelled
to increase her total tonnage demands
which in turn would affect the United
States, which is demanding parity with
the British.
Strong sentiment exists in this coun-
try against any agreement which might
involve the United States In the political
troubles of Europe. 1t was the same
sentiment which made ratification OF
the proposal that this country enter
the League Of Nations impossible. Sc
far, however, no concrete proposal has
been put forward at the London Con-
ference dealing with this matter of con-
sultation by the powers in the event
war threatens. Until such a proposal
Is made in definite terms, it may be
wise to withhold judgment. The United
States entered into a four power Pacific
pact, with Britain, France and japan
at the time of the Washington Naval
Limitation Conference, which provides
for consultation of the powers in the
event Of troubles arising among them
in matters relating to the Pacific Ocean
BY negotiating this treaty, the United
States found it possible to terminate the
old Anglo-Japanese alliance, considered
a threat perhaps to this country. In
q measure the four-power Pacific treaty
may be considered precedent for some
similar agreement growing out of the
present London Conference. Opposition
arose to the four-power Pacific treaty
when it was presented to the Senate
and Senator Borah and some Of the
other "irreconcilables" voted against II
at the time. Nevertheless the treaty
prevailed and was ratified by the Senate
Avoirdupois asserts itself. Weight o.