UNITED STATES.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18055, 23 April 1924, Page 12

UNITED STATES.

WORLD RELATIONS. SPEECH BY PRESIDENT. (Br CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION - CUPIRIGET.) (EEUTEF.'S TELEGRAMS..'' (.Received April 23rd, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, April 22. President Coolidge, addressing the annual luncheon of the Associated Press, announced that, with a definite settlement of German reparations firmly (established, he Voulcl favour 'calling another world conference to consider the further limitation of armaments and codification of international law. Whilte disclaiming the ability to announce a formula that would guarantee peace, the President declared that certain definite tilings should be done to relieve the world of much of the burden of military armaments.

'•'The Washington Conference," he said, "did a great deal to restore harmony and goodwill among nations. But much remains to be accomplished; the questions of submarines, aircraft and land forces are still unsolved."

The President prefaced liis important declaration with a remark that it would appear impracticable to attempt action under present conditions, and concluded it with the proviso: "Should preliminary enquirios disclose that such a. proposal would meet with sympathetic response. 1 '

Admitting that it was too much to suppose • that' wo held very much of, the affectionate regard of other nations, President Coolidgo. nevertheless argued that the United States was qualified to lead such a movement, because, "Our position is such that wo are trusted. Our business institutions and our Government are considered worthy of confidence," and tho country, especially since the war, had arrived at a situation of great power and responsibility. Much of the address, was. given up to praise tho Dawes Committee and its report, which ho hailed as unsurpassed in importance since tho signing of the armistice. The President expressed the opinion that, "There appears to bo every reason to' hope that tho report offers a basis for the practical solution of tho reparations problem. I trust it will commend itself to all the European Governments interested as a method whereby, through mutual concession, they can arrive at a stable adjustment of tho intricate and. vexatious problem of reparations, and: that the outcome will be such as to provide for the restoration of Germany and the largest possible payments to . other countries."

The President pointed out that tho Dawes Plan contemplated an immediate loan 'to Germany ( for pressing needs, and for financing- the bank. He hoped that private American capital would he forthcoming for such a loan. "Sound business reasons exist," he said, "why we should participate in financing works of peace 'in Europe, though we have repeatedly asserted that we were not in favour of advancing funds for arms and military purposes. It would benefit the fur trade and commerce. We especially hope it would provide a larger market for our agricultural productions. Besides this there is the humanitarian requirement, which carries such a strong appeal.' ' Although the President's address was taken up almost entirely with the" foreign relations of the United States, that American standards roust he maintained, and the American Constitution preserved, H© renewed ihisV'endorsement of a permanent Court of International. Justice, and concluded with the declaration that tho strength of America, was, its moral power.

"We are against war," asserted the President, "because it is destructive. We are for: - peace'because- it is constructive. Wo seek concord with all nations through mutual understanding; we believe in treaties,- covenants and international lav, 4 as>a permanent record for the reliable determination of action. The final establishment of peace and- complete maintenance of goodwill toward men will be found only ini righteousness.among the peoples of the Earth!" Wars will cease when they will that they shall cease; peace will reign when they will it shall reign."