Grey River Argus THURSDAY, February 17th, 1926. ARMAMENTS.

Grey River Argus, 17 February 1927, Page 4

Grey River Argus THURSDAY, February 17th, 1926. ARMAMENTS.

The proposal ot tile American Presidept lor an extension of lite limit u lion upon arnianients to the smaller classes of naval craft, while it is being accorded verbal endorsement by Ihe great. Powers, does not appear to evoke any response promising definite results. Without exception, the big Powers in accepting I lie invitation, have indicated that they each intend to insist upon a certain minimum in t heir own part icular ease. Britain in effect argues that the extent of her trade routes entitles her to more cruisers t han any ot her Powler. Italy stipulates that she shall be placed al least upon ;m equality with France in the naval ratio. Japan declares she cannot go beyond 1 he programme she deems essential for her own defence. France, however, would appear to turn 1 he conference proposal down altogether, on the plea, that the League of Nations has a project I afoot for the consideration of what is possible or feasible in the vay of a general disarmament plan, taking account, not only of every country, great or small, but of air as well as naval armaments. Indeed, at Geneva, France has gone the length of pointing out that population, and therefore potential man power, as well as economic resources and therefore potential “slaying power,” require 1o be included in a thorough formula for lire limitation of armaments. The other Powers unite in suggesting America is in a favoured position, and has less Io fear than they have. Germany, mi her part, welcomes the projected reconsideration of armaments, because she is now disarmed, and any formula including her must relatively increase her armamen's to a vast degree by putting her mi an equality with other Powers of similar numerical and economic strength. Thus it would appear that the outlook is far from hopeful. But there is one question ye’ to be put. Il is this: What is the .-iPernative .' That quest ion America’s President has already pul tc himself. He has lately done his utmost to check his country from carrying out the present armament programme. His proposal is the logical external consequence of his present home policy. There is only one conclusion io draw from America’s present stand. If it is discounted, if President Coolidge, is given the cold shoulder by Hie heads of the other Powers, it is a moral certainly America will set the pace in Armament building nt such a “cracker'’ ■'hat other Powers will then lie obliged to think twice about the outcome. The American military and naval technicians are insistent upon a great expansion, particularly in the air and at sea, and it. may be that the President adopts 1 he expedient of seeking a conference ii order Io checkmate them for the time being, but if his effort proves a failure, the pre-war race in armaimiits will seem to have been a very slow process compared with the pace that will be set on the m-xt lap.