AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 March 1921, Page 3

AMERICAN ITEMS.

BY TELEGRAPH—-PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. AMERICA’S NEW PRESIDENT. 1 HIS INAUGURAL ADDRESS. (Received this day, at 9.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, March 4. Mr Harding, in an inaugural address gave a warning that American stands < ready to resist any attempted reversion on civilisation. Amerioa seeks iio part in directing the destinies of th e Old World, but is ready to enter an asso- 1 ciation of nations for a conference and < counsel which will not impair United i States sovereignty. Me declared i against military alliances, stating our eyes were never blind to developing . menaces and our ears never deaf to I civilisation’s call. We will give no ; people cause to make war upon us. l We bold no national prejudices and y entertain no spirit of revenge, and no dreams of conquest If, despite this attitude, wars are forced upon us, I hope a way may be found to unify individual collective strength and consecrate all America to national defence. I Mr Harding did not mention the Lea- i gtio of Nations but denounced super t Government schemes and pledged him- t self to recommend the way to a P- • proximate disarmament. He expressed ; a desire to join the other nations in plans for mediation conciliation, arbitration and clarification of international law and the establishment of world court