DISARMAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 September 1921, Page 5

DISARMAMENT.

A DIFFICULT PROBLEM. SOME PROGRESS MADE. WARS NOT CEASED. Ky Telegraph—Press Asan Copyright Received September 11, 5.5 pan. Geneva, Sept. 10. At the League of Nations Assembly, Mr. A. J. Balfour replied to Lord Robert Cecil’s speech. Mr. Balfour said disarmament ■was the most important and difficult question before the League. Though it was evident the question had not been settled, some progress had been made, and certain countries in Central Europe had actually diminished armaments and their military budgets. One factor had made disarmament difficult. It was expected we would emerge upon a tranquil and pacific world, whereas wars and rumors of wars had not ceased. Upon such conditions it was difficult to work for a solution of the problem of disarmament. Moreover, the absence of certain Powers rendered the work of the League less effective. It was difficult to limit the manufacture of war material when certain countries did not belong to the League, and refused to discuss the matter. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

MEETING OF NATIONS. UNITED STATES DELEGATES. Received September 11, 5.5 p.m. Washington, Sept. 9. It is announced that Senator Root and Senator Underwood have been appointed delegates to the armament conference. Received September 11, 11.5 pjn. New York, Sept. 10. As the result of direct exchanges of opinion between M. Shidehara (Japanese Ambassador) and Mr. C. E. Hughes (Secretary of State) the conclusion has been reached that a treaty must be negotiated between the United States and the Allies to ensure that America shall be equipped with rights to control the mandate territories. The Southern Chinese Government and Russia will not be represented at the disarmament conference, although Russian questions will be discussed.

The American Federation of Labor has announced that it intends arousing the citizens of the United States in favor of disarmament and backing up the Government in its leadership in the movement. Central labor unions throughout the country will hold mass meetings and educational Campaigns.