DISARMAMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 October 1921, Page 2

DISARMAMENT.

j AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

! WASHINGTON CONFERENCE, j TOKIO, Sept. 30

The American Ambassador, Mr Warren, in a speech at the American .Japan Society, said that -the coming Washing, ton Oonlference would have general confidence, by common consent, among the world’s sovereign states. It would he a conference in which the United States wfould not be seeking to impose its will. President Harding was rather -seeking a frank discussion, with a view to bringing ahoutl the declaration .of certain .principles by the nations participating, these were principles which will preranti the clash of conflicting interests, and remove the causes for armament. It w-ould setm, lie said, trhat this conference would furnish an opportunity for the declaration of principles regarding the Pacific problems, that will insure the development of legitimate national interests of the Pacific Powers, and lead to a path of co-operation in friendly commerce. TOKIO, Oct,

The paper “Ashali Shimburn” declares that 'tbe Japanese Cabinet has decided to accept, in principle, the American suggestions in the Air an da of the Washington Conference.

AUSTRALIA’S WISHES. GENEVA, Oct. I Mr Bruce in opening the! debate on the Disarmament Report at tile League said that Australia was ready to sign the St Germain Proctoool regarding 1 the manufacture and trafficking in : arms and munitions. In Australia only the Government could manufacture and control the manufacture of munitions. The present mad race in armaI inents would surely- lead to ruin if not checked. In Australia, with 12,000 miles of coastline to defend, wish a fair of attack, were involved in perpetual defensive preparations, she could not trade with the rest of the world. Australia, did niot desire perpetual preparations for war. She wanted to see serious steps taken towards a gradual reduction of armaments.