Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-11-18
GRAND| SECURITY
VIEWS MAY SOLVE
QUESTIONED ARMS
Italy Ready to Renew Farley
With Other Nations to Give
French Guarantee.
BY CONSTANTINE BROWN.

Stgnor Grand may have some con-
structive ideas to put before President
Hoover regarding the French desire for
a security treaty and he may thus pave
the way for positive results at the
Geneva Disarmament Conference. In
the course of President Hoover's con-
versations with Italy's foreign minister
the President will doubtless find that
the thoughts of his distinguished guest
are remarkably similar to his own.
The two men are to review the world
situation, and while they may discuss
all the phases of the world politics, the
conversations are going to run princi-
pally on the question of disarmament
and how the two countries can CO.
operate to make it a success.
Asks for Nothing.
The italian foreign minister has the
great advantage over the other states-
men who hitherto have visited Wash
ington in that he is not here to ask the
United States for anything. Italy wants
no security pact, no loan, and has no
naval problems which affect the two
countries. The matter of treaty re-
visions, which mas been brought up
lately by Signor MuSSolini in a speech
three weeks ago, is purely platonic
matter.
Italy, through the mouth of II Duce,
has expressed a thought. But neither
the head of the Italian government
nor his foreign secretary actually be-
lieves that this Is the moment to bring
up effectually this question, because the
world row Is in a restless condition.
The utterances of Mussolini were
merely to put ION record" his views in
that matter, and neither he nor Signor
Grand wants any action to be taken
on the revision of frontiers at present
or by any means other than friendly
conversations between the nations con-
cerned.
Wants Arms Understanding.
On the question of disarmament
Signor Grand has instructions from
his chief to go as far as necessary to
bring about an understanding as to
the attitude the United States and
Italy should take at the coming con-
ference at Geneva.
1t is realized here and in Italy that
France is going to be the stumbling
block next February.
The final views of France regarding
disarmament were put forth in a
PIcSCIiIcQ W GLlc LSdkUC
of Nations last August. In that memo
randum the French spokesman, Aris-
tide BRAND, stated that France feels
secure with the national defense forces
she now possesses. The note indicated
clearly that unless some other means
! for Frances security are found. her
present forces represent her minimum,
| and the world cannot expect France
! to further reduce her armies. Premier
| Laval discussed in Washington with
! President Hoover the possibilities OF
! finding come way which would assure
! France her security and thus enable
| her to reduce her ornaments. Mr.
! Hoover was not in a position to prom
| Use the French anything, and it was
! taken for granted in Europe that
| France will not agree to reduce her
ornaments next Spring
European Pact Possible.
The Italian foreign secretary is re-
ported to have some new ideas in regard
| to French security. While realizing
that the United States is in no mood
! to accept any foreign arrangements,
he does not see any reason why the
nations of Europe should not get TO-
gether and agree to some instrument
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