The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-06-22
HOOVER'S SWEEPING Plan
PRESENTED TO POWERS BY
GIBSON At geneva FARLEY
Profound Impression Is Created; Italy Backs
Proposal; Britain Is Somewhat Dis
appointed; France Against It.
BY STEWART BROWN
United Press STAFF CorrnSnondsnt

BY STEWART BROWN
United Press STAFF Correspondent
GENEVA, June 22.-The United
States is prepared to scrap more
than 100000 tons o. existing ships,
Hugh S. Gibson, United States min
lister to Switzerland, told the world
arms conference today, in present.
ing a plan by President Hoover for
a one-third reduction of ornaments
by all nations
In addition, Gibson said, the
United States is ready, as part of
the Hoover program, to forego the
right to build more than $4,000 tons
additional permitted by treaty.
In land material" he said, our
proposal would affect more than
1000 heavy mobile guns, approx
mately 900 tanks and 800 bombing
airplanes."
The Hoover statement, a chal-
lenge to the world to meet the eco
nomic crisis by cutting down on
war expenditures, created a pro-
found impression when read to the
general commission of the confer
ence.
France to Voice Objection
ct is hoped public statement
of such program" Gibson told the
tense and crowded hall, will fire
the imagination of the world and
allow all nations to consider deep
ly and state openly how much they
can contribute to the concrete gen.
eral program"
Gibson said the proposals need
not be taken up for immediate ac-
ton by the conference, but would
form part of private conversations
already begun.
Objection to the plan was expect
ed from France, which always has
been adamant for promise of Sc
curity as the price of lowering her
armed strength.
No such promise was contained
in the Hoover proposals, and it is
not a part of American policy to
make any such guarantees.
Italy Accepts Proposal
Italy Immediately accepted the
Hoover proposal.
Sir John Simon, British foreign
secretary, surprised the assembly
by reading long, hastily prepared
speech in which he said Britain was
not entirely pleased with the Hoo
yer plan.
Great Britain was especially dis
appointed, he said, by the failure to
abolish or reduce the tonnage of
submarines to $50, and also BY the
failure to reduce the present mon
strouS size" of battleships.
When Arthur Henderson of Great
Britain opened the meeting, the tri-
bune was damned in expectation of
President Hcover's statement.
Every delegates chair was taken,
and the press section was crowded.
The reporters overlooked into the
visitors gallery, where the seats re-
served for them had been seized by
others, causing great confusion.
we hope what takes place to-
day will lead to real disarmament"
Henderson said.
Scene Marked by drama
ut is a magnificent gathering.
he commented. ct shows what can
be done when we excite interest
in disarmament"
The presentation Of the proposal,
the most sudden and striking world
act since the Hoover moratorium
was accomplished with a touch Of
drama.
Gibson, a veteran diplomat, al
though 48, advanced somewhat nerv-
ously, his white hair well brushed
back.
Il am desired by the President of
the United States" he announced
to indicate to the con-
ference the text of a statement
which he is giving out at this mo-
ment."
The hall was tensely silent as he
read the text of the statement. After
ne had finished, he said:
THE significance of the Presi-
dents statement will be apparent to
all. 1t is clear, self contained and
comprehensive. am well aware that
every one here will wish to study it
in detail"
France to Have Proposal
The French claimed the United
States plan for reducing ornaments
On land, on sea and in air was un-
necessary, as its counter proposal
that armament budgets be cut 10
per cent would achieve the Ameri-
IAN aims.
France, under this plan, was ex-
pected to reserve the right to make
its own 10 per cent budget saving
it chose, in land, air or
sea appropriations.
It's agreement to such a reduc-
ton was believed due to American
pressure within the last twenty-four
hours. in which the United States
is believed to have let it be known
that no war debt revision can be
considered without an armament
reduction.
The world disarmament confer
ence was considered to have made
progress, as result of the French
counter proposal For the French
also dropped the Tardieu plan for a
world police force under League Of
Nations supervision. Dropping the
Tardieu plan was not unexpected.