Evening star., 1932-06-22
HOOVER PROPOSES
DRASTIC ARMS CUT
President Urges One Third
Reduction Upon Geneva
Delegates.
Continued From First Page J

be most important at this time and
could be taken to expedite economic re-
covery He added that the world must
make headway against mutual fear
and friction arising out Of war arnaa-
mnt, which he said kill human conn
dence throughout the world. In his
opinion, nations can still remain prac-
tical in maintaining an adequate self
defense among all nations.
Sees Hope for Humanity.
Mr.. Hoover declared he considers his
proposals as simple and direct in that
they call upon all nations to contribute
something. He said further he knows
OF nothing that would give more hope
for humanity today than the acceptance
Of such a program with such minor
changes as might be necessary. He con-
siderS it folly for the world to 60 on
breaking its back over military expendi-
ture.
The United States is willing to take
its share of responsibility by making
definite proposals that will relieve the
world Mr. Hoover said
In reducing the air forces by one
third, the President proposed the aboli-
tsen Of all bombing planes This, he
said. would do away with the military
OF attacks upon civil populations. and
! should in his opinion. be coupled with
the total prohibition of all bombardment
from the air
Would Bring Large Savings.
In general. the President made it plain
he is convinced the effect of his plan
will be to bring about an enormous
saving in cost Of new constructions and
M val
will save large amounts in the operat-
ing expense in all nations of land. sea
and air forces, as well as greatly reduc-
ing offensive strength. compared to de-
fensive strength in all nations
The Presidents announcement fol-
lowed series Of conferences during the
past several days with Secretary Stim-
son and other cabinet officers, as well
as transatlantic telephone conversations
with Ambassador Hugh Gibson. chair
man of the American delegation at
! Geneva. and other members of the
delegation.
/ In discussion OF the proposal in ad-
ministat.on quarters today, 1t Was said
BY the highest authorities that the pro-
posed naval reduction, as affecting this
country. would not interfere with
| present construction. The question of
personnel and the subsequent unem-
ployment problem also would not be
affected it was said.
e. s. Cuts Already Made.
In regard to a one-third reduction
! in strength of the land armies over
the so-called police component. 1t was
pointed out by ofiicials today that the
American Government has gone for
ward in this direction, the National
Guard Reserves and other military
forces already being reduced below the
so-called police strength Of the Euro
pean countries
1t was the concensus in adniinistra- =
tion circles that for the program to be
successful the United States must have
the corporation of all other Of the
greater powers.
Exceeds Nine Point Plan.
President Hoover's suggestion TODAY
goes further than the original American
nine-point program submitted at Ge-
neva, or February 9, by Hugh S. Glib
son, acting head of the American dele
cation.
The Hoover plan embraces additional
cuts in naval ornaments in the battle
ship and cruiser classes ,and is a radi.
cal modification of the program sub
mitted by Gibson. The latter advocated
the abolition of submarines. while the
Hoover proposal permits the retention
of small submarine tonnage, proba bly,
a concession to France.
Gibson particularly stressed the neces-
sity for the reduction OF offensive arms.
that is great mobile guns and tanks
which are suitable for attack upon a
foreign power rather than defense This
form Of armament has been particular
ly discussed by the American dele
gates at Geneva as the cause OF the
fear OF attack from outside which has
prevented European nations from agree
ing to any reduction.
Gibson and his associates have pro-
posed limitations in various cAteeories
in very general way.