Evening star., 1933-10-17
FOUR-POWER TALK PUSHED.
Italy Regards U. S. Stand as Justifyins
Move in Arms Crisis.

N1Otc III AEukS OTNSs
GENEVA, Switzerland, October II
P).-The Italian delegates were under
stood today to have used the latest
declaration of American policy in the
disarmament situation as justification
for pushing ahead with four-power
conversations of the problem
The Italians accepted the definition
OF the American position by Norman H.
Davis, the United States Ambassador
at large, as meaning that his country
would participate in no so-called politi-
cal disarmament negotiations what
ever.
Mr.. Davis, in outlining the United
States view, said, I'VE again make 1t
clear that We in no way are politically
aligned with any European power"
The Italians were represented as be-
hevtng a groundwork for political
agreement must be found If disarma-
ment is saved from complete collapse.
French Opposition Seen.
It was reported here that the Ger
mans, who have withdrawn from the
arms parley, advocate four-power pour
parlers under the aegis of the four
power European peace pact Of Premier
MusSolini, on the condition that the
conversations not be held at Geneva
(France, Italy, Great Britain and
Germany are the signatories of the
Mussolini pact)
The French were understood to have
gained knowledge of today's trend and
Notified the Americans. The French
Appeared adamant, however, that there
can be no four power pact parley, since
that agreement is linked with the
League of Nations. They insist on
keeping the conference negotiations
within the framework of the League.
The Italian idea was understood to
be to go ahead without the Americans,
inviting Mr.. Davis later when the po-
htical matters were arranged;
The search for the road to world
peace through disarmament meanwhile
spread from Geneva to the capitals OF
Europe.
New Plans Are Sought.
With the Disarmament Conference in
recess until October 26, representatives
hurried homeward to devise new plans
to meet the emergency created by Ger
many's withdrawal.
Many believed the government OF
Adolf Hitler might be drawn back into
the discussions.
Others expressed the conviction 1t
would be necessary to take q unified
stand without her.
As foreign Offices in all capitals
buzzed with these possibilities today,
there was comment, too, on the state
ment Of Davis.
Davis Defines q. S. Stand.
Defining the position Of the Amer
ican delegation. Davis frankly said:
I'VE again make it clear that we in
no way are politically aligned with any
European powers. Such unity Of pur-
pose as existed has been entirely on
world disarmament matters"
But the Americans move for tenn
porary release from the conversations
could not dull the glowing terms with
which appreciation Of his delegations
efforts were expressed.
Had it not been for Davis, some Of
the delegates recalled, permanent ad-
journment might have been voted in
stead Of the "breather" finally decided
upon.
Then, the new opportunity Of bring
ing Germany back in or Of formulat-
ing plans for convention from con-
sideration Of which Reich represent
atives Of course would be barred, should
not have presented itself
Those, statesmen said, were the prime
alternatives.
Important among those pressing for
Germany,s re-entrance were number
of Americans who expressed hope Ger
many might be freed from the obliga-
tions imposed by the Versailles treaty.
However, even this group thought the
only way to accomplish the end lay
in a disarmament conference to sup
plant the pact to which NaZi Germany
so strenuously objects.
Replying to Germany's announcement
Of withdrawal, Sir Arthur Henderson,
conference president, said the Reich
pulled out just as definite program"
was formulated.
Valid Reasons Denied.
1T regret, therefore," he added, "that
this grave decision should have been
taken by your government for reasons
which am unable to accept as valid"
An Indication of the length to which
he thought the conference might run
was given by Henderson.
II expected to finish the disarmament
work by Christmas, but now I expect
to be here until the anniversary of the
opening CT the conference next Feb
ruaIy" he said.
. Delegation Of disarmament problems
to a Drafting Committee which would
keep things going was one plan sug-
gested by French delegates here as q
pIUSId all W VIC 1OAOWC0 W41Cn t44G SO01.
ference resumes.
Oppose Dropping Issue.
The Frenchmen generally are con-
vinced disarmament should not be
dropped as they believe that would give
Germany possible justification for de-
claring the treaty Of Versailles null
and void.
It is stated they might argue that no
convention was being made with every
body agreed there would be substitute
for the military clauses in the Yer
sailles treaty.
Printed locally Davis statement gen.
orally was interpreted as meaning that
when disarmament enters political dis
cussions American interest ceases.
Many. it deyeloped today considered