WORLD CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 179, 23 April 1924, Page 7

WORLD CONFERENCE

FAVOURED BY PRESIDENT COOLIDGE TO CONSIDER FURTHER LIMITATION OF ARMAMENTS FOREIGN RELATIONS OF UNITED STATES President Coolidge, in an important speech dealing with the foreign relations of the United States, announce that he would favour calling another world conference to consider the further limitation of armaments and the codification of international law, declaring that certain definite things should be done to relieve the world of much of the burden of military armaments. The President renewed his endorsement of a permanent Court of International Justice and concluded with the declaration that the strength o ■ America was in its moral power.

(Rec. April 22, 5.5 p.m.) New York. April 22. President Coolidge, addressing the annual luncheon of the Associated Press, announced that with the definite settlement of German reparations firm--1.7 established, he would favour calling another world conference to consider further limitation of armaments and codification of international law. While disclaiming ability to announce a formula that would guarantee peace, the President declared that certain definite things should be done to relieve the world of much of the burden of military armaments. , QUESTIONS STILL UNSOLVED. ! “The Washington Conference,’'’ he said, “did a great deal to restore harmony and goodwill among the nations, but much ..emains io be accomplished. The questions of submarines, aircraft, and land forces are still unsolved.” , „ , ~ . The President prefaced Ins important declaration with the remark^ that . “it would appear to be "impractrcable to attempt action under the present conditions,” and concluded it with the proviso ‘should preliminary inquiries disclose that such a proposal would meet with sympathetic responseAdmitting that “it is too much to suppose that we hold very much of the affectionate regard of other nations, President Coolidge nevertheless argued that the United States was qualified to lead such a movement, because “our position is such that we are trusted. Our business institutions and our Government are considered worthy of confidence,” and the country, especially since the war, had arrived at a situation of great power and responsibility. VALUE OF DAWES REPORT. Much of the address was given up to praise of the Dawes Commission and its report, which the President hailed as unsurpassed in importance since the signing of the armistice, rhe President expressed the opinion that “there appears to be ever- reason to tope the report offers a basis for a

practical solution of .the reparations problem. I trust it will commend itself to all the European Governments interested as a method whereby, through mutual concession, they can airive at a stable adjustment of the intricate and vexatious problem of reparations, and that the outcome will be such as to provide for the restoration of Gennanv and the largest possible payments to other countries. FINANCING WORKS OF PEACE IN . EUROPE. The President pointed out that the Dawes plan contemplates an immediate loan to Germany for her pressing needs and for financing the bank. He hoped that private American capital would be forthcoming for such a loan. “Sound business reasons exist why we should participate in financing the works of peace in Europe.” he declared, “though we have repeatedly asserted that we were not in favour of advancing funds for any military purpose. It~ would benefit our 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. AMERICA’S MORAL POWER. Although the President’s address was taken up almost entirely with the foreign relations of the United States, he reiterated that American standards must be maintained and American institutions preserved. He renewed his endorsement of a permanent Court of International Justice and concluded with a declaration that tne strength of America was its moral power. “We any against war, because it is destructive. We are for peace, because it is constructive. We seek concord with all natiois through mutual understanding. We believe in treaties, covenants and international law as a permanent record for. the reliable determination of action. The final establishment of peace and complete maintenance of good-will toward men will be found only in 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.”—Reuter.