Evening star., 1932-10-17
European Efforts to Meet
German Demands Approved

Great Britain's attempt to assemble
a four power conference on the Ger
man desire for adequate armaments
has aroused American interest, with
some attention to the position of Nor
man H. Davis, observer for this coun-
try. Concern is voiced for the success
of the proceedings at Geneva, with the
fear that unless some definite under
standing with Germany is established,
with the cooperation of France, Ber-
lin participation in the main arma-
ment proceedings will be prevented.
"Germany's armamentS will have to
he marked up. as the Germans look at
the matter, before they can be marked
down." says the Springfield (Masso
Republican. That paper offers the
opinion on the present conditions: IN
Europe the seriousness of this problem
Is fully realized, and although the pro-
posed conference has been postponed,
the possibility that 1t may be held has
been somewhat increased by Germanys
tardy acceptance in principle, and by
intimations that Premier Herr1ot Is
viewing the British proposal more IA
yorably. He would prefer to have the
conference held in Geneva rather than
in London, but the British government
probably would not assent to this
change. Even though the proposed con-
ference of Germany, France, Italy ana
Great Britain lies outside the range OF
Mr.. Davis mission, it Is not Impossible
that his friendly talk with Premier Her
riot last week, in which harmony be-
tween France and the United States was
stressed, may have done something to
promote an accord in Europe. Large
plans often have to wait on details, ana
while Germany's demand Tor restora-
ton. of equal rights is only one pnase
of the general question OF dsarma-
until it Is disposed of. Incidentally,
the choice of Mr.. Davis, a Democrat,
for this mission is fortunate because 1t
frees these important negotiations from
the hazards of the election
mThat France feels that the time Is
not ripe for q discussion OF the arma-
ment problem in q European four
mower conference" thinks the Provi-
dence journal, "is suggested by Pre-
mier Herriot's decision to talk the mat
ter over with Prime Minister MacDon-
aid in London. An earlier report that
France had accepted the British invi-
tation was apparently erroneous. The
French government unquestionabiy
holds the key to any solution OF this
great international issue. Possessed OF
tremendous military strength, and de-
termined to maintain her position OF
primacy in armaments in Europe until
such time at least as she is certain in
her own mind that her defensive power
will not be jeopardized by a fresh in
ternational agreement, France natu-
rally wants to know in advance what
measures q four-power conference
might consider. Inasmuch as the Brit
ish government Is the author OF the
proposal for a four-power parley, Pre-
mier Herriot properly assumes that
Mr.. Macdonald has definite ideas OF
what such a conference might try to
accomplish" The Journal concludes
that what France has done with re-
gard to her own security in Paris, she
will certainly insist shall be strictly
safeguarded by any joint action which
may be taken In London or in any
other place"
Quoting Senator Borahs statement
implying that Germany's demands are