Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-28
Merely Consultation,


The suggestion that the American
delegation to the Naval Conference in
London is willing to consider the draft
of a Consultative pact" involving the
United States with the four other ma
tons attending the conference, has
created an immediate stir among the
old "irreconcilables'' of the Senate,
There are indications, too, that Demo-
cratic opposition in the Senate may de-
velop to such a plan. In view Of the
Democratic adherence in the past to
the entrance of the United states into
the League of Nations covenant the
latter may appear somewhat surprising.
The statement recently issued by the
American delegation, headed by Secre-
tary Stirnson, which declared the will
ingness of the Americans to consider a
consultative treaty which In no way
should bind this country to anything
beyond consultation In the event Of In
ternational differences arising, seems
clear enough. But the opposition now
developing takes the view that If the
United States goes TO the length Of con-
sulting under such circumstances, II
must also take up arms.
The United States in 1917 was not
party to consultative pact similar TO
that now proposed for the i've nations
at the conference table. Yet in 1917
this country became involved in the
greatest war Of history. This is q mat
ter which the isolaticnists sometimes
overlook In the violence of their argu-
ments. The interests Of this country
and of the people of America today are
worldwide. That 10 q fact which all
the isolationist doctrine In the world
cannot refute. The United States 10
definitely interested in the peace of the
world. Yet the isolationists are at pains
to have the United States take no part
in . consultative pact" which might
aid in maintaining peace.
There is no assurance yet that the
United States will be definitely called
upon to enter into such a pact. At
present the British, French and Italians
are considering the draft of a treaty
which shall grant further measure Of
security not only to France but to all
otheY nations now members Of the
League Of Nations. The British are
represented in news dispatches as being
willing to 60 into such an agreement,
provided the United states will enter q
consultative pact with the nations now
meeting to limit naval ornaments In
the event Of international differences
which threaten war. This country is
not to be asked to take part in the So
called security treaty.
The American delegation has repeat
edIy made It clear that this country is
not to give political commitments, which
might lead this country into European
sonhicts. That is determination which
will be backed by the American people.
But admittedly this country favors the
settlement Of International disputes
through consultation and without re-
sorting 10 war. Under such circum-
stances 1t does not do violence TO the
desires of the people Of the United
States TO provide for consultation. Yet
that is precisely what the isolationists
are protesting against.
The United States Is q party TO Q
feur-power Pacific treaty which grew
out Of the Washington Naval Confer
enee. That treaty provides for con.
sultation between the United States
Great Britain, France and Japan in the
event Of any disputes arising between
the signatories out of any Pacific ques-
ton and involving the rights of These
nations in relation to their possessions
In the Pacific. The treaty goes further
and declares that "the high contract
| ing parties shall communicate with one
another fully and frankly in order tc
arrive ct an understanding a. to the
most efieient measures, TO be taker
jointly or separately, to meet tbs
exigencies Of the particular situation.
This treaty has been effective for eight
years. It has not drawn the United
0bdOCc AlOO WdA5 ddtO 40 CdACuAdbcQ "
prevent war. It is the same treaty
which was attacked by Senator Borak
and others among the "irreconcilables'
of the Senate when 1t was presented
for ratification. It goes much further
In It's content than any consultative
pact which might be drafted In London
| And 1t involves all of the nations nov
meeting at London except Italy.
1t is argued that the United States
has possessions in the Pacific but none
in the Mediterranean and none iE
Europe, as a reason for adherence tt
the Pacific treaty and opposition to q
consultative pact drafted at the LondeE
| Conference. Yet who would say thai
any effort to interfere with American
trade in Europe and with the rights Of
Americans in European nations woulc
not Immediately bring the United States
into strenuous dispute?