THE CONFERENCE

Taranaki Daily News, 28 November 1921, Page 5

THE CONFERENCE

GERMANY TO BE INVITED. AN ANNUAL MEETING. A NEW LEAGUE. (From the Special Correspondent of the Australian Press Assn.) Received Nov. 27, 5.5 p.m. Washington, Nov. 25. Two important statements were made by President Harding to pressmen in to-day’s weekly interview. President Harding declared emphatically that he hoped that if this conference were a success, as he was sure it would be, it would be followed by a yearly conference of a like nature to discuss affairs of the nations of the world, so reducing the chances of war. He made it known also that it, was his expectation that other nations might be invited to the present conference before it closed. Asked pointedly whether that included Germany, the President said “Yes.” His fervent hope was that out of the Conference there might arise some form of association of nations. At the Pacific and’ Far Eastern Committee meeting to-day Mr. C. E. Hughes (America) expressed great regret that Washington papers reported dissension at a committee meeting, supposedly based on the American delegates wanting the minutes of the committee’s proceedings kept with a view to subsequent publication, thus enlightening the public. Mr. A. J. Balfour, championing the methods of secret diplo- , macy, strongly opposed keeping the min- i utes. Mr. Hughes declared that the report j was, not only untrue, but grotesque, and did Mr. Balfour the grossest injustice. Mr. Balfour, deeply moved, thanked Mr. Hughes for such a warm defence. It is stated in official quarters that land disarmament is not definitely shelved, but may be referred again to the full committee at a later stage. This squares with the President’s announcement that other nations may possibly be invited, and fore- ; shadows an effort to cover the French attitude against a reduction of land forces. One of M. Briand’s chief objections to agreeing to a limitation was that the other European nations with large or potential armies were not reducing their armaments. The reverberations of M. Briand’s speech ! and comments thereon, in efforts to magnify the rift between Britain and France, are still heard in Washington. Some of the French party, commenting on Lord Curzon’s speech, characterise it as the natural sentiment of a man who was always antagonistic to French principles. / It is understood that Italy is taking a stiff attitude towards the French claim for a large navy, and declares she will insist on Italy having as strong a navy as France. The Italian delegates intimate that they ;

will sign no agreement in which that stipulatio ; lines not exist. They have already pointed out to the Conference that Britain has far more tn defend than France, and therefore they realise that she should have a preponderance of submarine tonnage. • Lord Curzon’s speech is.regarded as evi- , dence that feeling is stronger in Britain i than here. The trend of public and press i opinion seems turning against the French I individualistic policy. It is said some Ame- ; rican delegates may range themselves with i the British, in view of the somewhat un- ! fortunate attitude taken up by M. Briand, I though the British delegation deprecates placing an interpretation thereon. INCLUSION OF GERMANY. VIEWS OF THE NATIONS. GERMANY READY TO GO. (From the Special Correspondent of the Australian Press Assn.) Received Nov. 27, 11.5 p.m. Washington, Nov. 26. There has been much comment regarding the Presidential suggestion for enlarging the present conference, taking in Ger-* many and other Powers, and for an association of nations. The British let it be known through their official spokesman that they would welcome any action tending towards the peace of the world, but they considered this a domestic matter, and awaited an expression of opinion by Congress. Britain would be found willing to fall in with any views in the direction of further community of nations.

France was expected to oppose, on the grounds that she could only keep Germany in order by the presence of a big French army. It is impossible to secure anything official, as M. Briand is on the ocean, and nobody belonging to the French delegation will commit themselves. Some French advisers say Germany would immediately try to wriggle out of the Versailles obligations, and thereafter there would be no limit to troublesome Continental questions. Italy is expected to sympathise with President Harding’s suggestion. Germany is known to be ready to send a small staff as soon as asked, but she might want to raise the reparations question, which at present is considered beyond the scope of the present Conference. The Far Eastern Committee is most symi pathetic in regard to China’s plea respecti ing tariff autonomy. The American Administration view is that, something must | be done to remove the present restrictions j regarding the Presidential suggestion for enlarging the Conference and making it, a yearly affair. The Senate irreconciliables declared to-day that they oppose any association of nations involving American troops fighting someone else’s battles. Mr. Balfour is reported as disinclined to discuss the proposition, while the Japanese, Belgians and other delegations supported the plan in principle. A NOTE OF PESSIMISM. DIFFICULTIES OF AGREEMENT. DANGERS OF EUROPE. Received Nov. 26, 5.5 p.m. London, Nov. 25. Some of the correspondents at Washington of the London papers strike pessimistic notes over the outcome of the Conference. They indicate that there is a great conflict of material interests going on behind the affirmation of general principles. While the British and Americans broadly believe in the substitution of mor::! for physical force. France is sceptical about it, and although war in the Pacific may be scouted for some years it is doubtful whether European peace can be secured at Washington. One writer points out that Britain must be heart and soul with America on the main issues, or else she will leave Washington discredited with America and embittered with France. A GREAT SUCCESS.” THE OPINION OF M. BRIAND. Received Nov. 27, 5.5 p.m. New York, Nov. 25. M. Briand (Premier nf F raxuie) addressed <

newspaper men before sailing, saying: I am going Straight to Paris, and do not intend to stop in London and confer with anyone. The Armament. Conference has been a great success from the French stand--1 point. America knows France is not imperialistic, and is sure we are entirely in sympathy with her.” M. Briand said be felt his Washington speech bad been misinterpreted in Europe. MR. LLOYD GEORGE. GOING TO WASHINGTON. Received Nov. 27, 11.5 p.m. London, Nov. 26. According to the Sunday Times, Mr. Lloyd -George sails for America in the middle of December ut the latest, but earlier if possible. LORD CURZON’S SPEECH. STRONQ FRENCH CRITICISMS. Paris, Nov. 25. 'rhe Petit Parisien says that Lord Curzon’s speech cannot fail to create painful Impressions in France, its tone is so deliberate. It is believed the British Cabinet supports it. The Figaro states that Lord Curzon held a veritable conference by himself in order to reply to the Washington Conference. The paper adds: "Are there not too many graves of British

soldiers in French soil for the mistakes of .Ministers to be allowed io embroil two great peoples who have an equal need to love and understand each other?” The (Echo de Pari.? declares that the Washington Conference has given aid to all France’s adversaries and a death certificate for all treaties and gurantees.