LAND ARMAMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 281, 25 November 1921, Page 5

LAND ARMAMENTS.

SHELVED BY CONFERENCE.

NO CHANCE OF AGREEMENT

TILL MORE NATIONS GATHER,

BBIAND KETUKNS TO FRANCE.

A SUCCESSFUL MISSION. (By Cab!?.-Press Association.— Copyright.) lliCt'ClTCil 10.no a.m.) WASHINGTON, November 114. H. Briand, in taking farewell of the Conference, naid a, tribute to the courageous initiative of the American Government, and expressed the deepest gratitude for the words spoken addressed to France. It was certain that the ENChango of friendly declarations which had taken place before the whole world luul enabled Europe to take a great step forward on the road to peace, vjo longer would anyone be able to s#y that the armaments of France masked offensive intentions. To-morrow the French Parliament would take up consideration of the military problem with a desire to make the greatest possible progress in the realm of the reduction of military burdens, und probably military service would be reduced by a half. Thanks to words spoken at Washington the decision would be reached in a serene atmosphere. 51. Briaml. interviewed, said that he regarded his mission as successful, and considered that he was taking back to hie countrymen recognition that the tpOcial position of France had been assured of support. He was not asked to limit the army any further than was the intention before the conference. He fefrained from asking for any special formal resolution because ho thought it might restrict the effect of the words Spoken by all the delegates. It is understood that this resolution may be tabled before th 6 Conference idjourns finalh'. The question of land armaments is practically shelved as far as this Conference is concerned, except for such matters as were to-dny referred to the subcommittees. Not enough nations are represented liei-e, and until all the European Powers agree together, including Russia and Germany and the Little Kntente, there is no chance of general disarmament.— (A. and N.Z. Cable.) ISOLATION IMPOSSIBLE. AMERICA AND EUROPE. CANNOT CUT LOOSE. (Received 11.30. a.m.l LONDON, November 24. The "Westminster Gazette's" Washington correspondent says that it is plain that France and Italy could, if they chose, make Mr. Hughes' naval plan impossible. Recognition of this fact comes with a certain shock to American opinon, hut it is necessary and salutary, helping to shoAv Americans the impossibility of cutting loose from Europe. Speaking at the American Club, Mr. Herrick, Ambassador to France, said: "We Americans were recalled by the wir from our moneyinaking, and at last the great intellect of America has begun to understand that America must cooperate in the economic re-establisvh-ment of the world. We recojrnised that it is our manifest duty to restore the balance of the broken-down world." —(A. »nd N.Z. Cable.) LIMITING THE NAVIES. WORKING OUT THE DETAILS. (Ileceived 10.30 a.m.} WASHINGTON, November 23. A naval expert to-day estimated that fully a month must elapse before the immense mass of details arising out of Mr. C. E. Hughes' scheme for the limitation of naval armaments can be worked out and made ready for presentation to the Armaments Committee, although the main general principles may possibly be laid down in a few days. Karl Beatty leaves Washington to-day. Though members of the British delegation suggest that his departure has no significance, it is impossible not to draw the conclusion that naval matters are going on well.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.) PENALTY OF FAILURE. BANKRUPTCY OP THE NATIONS LONDON, November 24. Tn a speech at an Aldwych Club luncheon, the" Lord Chancellor, Lord Birkenhead. said that the Irish problem and "•11 problems were bound up wi*h the historic discussions proceeding at Washington. .Judged in historical perspective, this war, the greatest moment in the history of the world. If tlie conference fails, it fails," proceeded Lord Birkcnhcad, "but it presents better prosoeets of success than any similar gathering in history. If this attempt fails—l am choosing my words deliberately—l see little alternative to international bankruptcy. If it succeeds, it may ultimately be possible financially to save Europe and the World."— (A. and N.Z. Cable.)

NEGATIVE RESULTS. PAPER'S VIEW. iKcccived 0.30 n.iu.j PARIS, November 24. The "Figaro," referring to M. Briand's departure from America, says that it must b? considered that the Washington Conference is over, and that its results are negative.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.)

RULES OF WARFARE. fßecelved " p.m.l WASHINGTON, November 23. The Armaments Ccromittee, after a. Seneral discussion this morning relating t° land armaments and new agencies of warfare, appointed and instructed a subcommittee, consisting of heads of delegations, to draw up a form of procedure *°r dealing: with these subjects and empowernd the sub-enmmittee to appoint smaller committees to deal with poison gas, aircraft, and rules of international law—(A. and N.Z. Cable.)