ARMAMENT PROBLEMS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 August 1921, Page 5

ARMAMENT PROBLEMS.

DATE OF CONFERENCE. POSITION OF DOMINIONS. QUESTION OF PUBLICITY. By Telegraph.—Fress Assn.—Copyright. Received August 10, 5.5 p.m. New York, August 9. A Washington correspondent states that following upon the receipt of Italy's acceptance of the invitation to the Armament Conference, November 11 has been fixed as the date of the conference. Japan’s acceptance has also arrived. President Harding has now sent formal invitations to the Powers, save the British Dominions. It is felt that if the Dominions are represented their delegates will be part of the British Government delegation. The United States wants the conference limited to the fewest possible participants, and will probably adopt the Paris Peace Conference principle of a small group of conferences. President Harding and Mr. C. E. Hughes (Secretary 'X)f State) are considering the question of publicity, and the tendency appears to be against open sessions. The United States, however, will seek to have a full explanation of the conference proceedings furnished to the Press.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. HOW THE LLOYD-GEORGE RUMOR AROSE. London, August 9. The report that Mr. Lloyd Georgy is not going to Washington seems to .have i emanated from a conversation lx?tween Mr. Lloyd George and M. Briand. The latter asked if Mr. Lloyd George intended to go, Mr. Lloyd George replied that he had not yet been officially invited. He did not know whether the conference was for Premiers, Foreign Secretaries or appointed delegates. Mr. Lloyd George added that he was not sure if he would be able to go. The conversation was unofficial and private, but apparently something leaked out which was subsequently garbled or misconstrued.