IN THE BALANCE

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 71, 17 December 1928, Page 11

IN THE BALANCE

RATIFICATION OF KELLOGG PACT NEW COMPLICATIONS ARISE PRESIDENT USES HIS INFLUENCE This morning's news indicates that it is by no means certain that the Kellogg Pact will be approved by the United States Senate this session. Both the President and Mr. Kellogg have exerted their influence on Senators, with doubtful success. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph — Copyright. I (Australian Press Association.) (Rec. December 17, 12.5 a.m.) New York, December 15. The “New York Tinies” Wasbing-

ton correspondent states that a new complication arose to-day to worry advocates of the ratification of the Kellogg Pact. It was found in the suspected effort of the “big navy men" to keep the treaty in tiie . background until the Senate acts on the pending Fifteen-Cruiser Bill, but this movement has not assumed formidable proportions. an(j everything considered the sponsors of the Kellogg Pact have everyl reason to feel encouraged over the prospect of its ratification without any change or the addition of embarrassing reservations. Mr. Kellogg to-day interviewed Senators McLean and Johnson, of the Committee of Foreign Relations, and urged them to vote for the ratification without any interpretive resolutions. Mr. Kellogg was unsuccessful in this effort, and President Coolidge then called for the Senators and made the same request, but it is also believed unsuccessfully.

Still another phase of the situation appeared in speeches by Senators Bruce and Gillette. Senator Bruce criticised the treaty as being virtually meaningless and futile in preventing nations from resorting to war. Senator Bruce declared, however, that he would vote for it, because he intimated he believed it would bring the United States near the League of Nations.

Senator Gillette, who formerly opposed the Cruiser Bill, lias now declared that be would vote for it. He said that between Britain and the United States “competition and friction is sure to develop and increase.” From a trade point of view lie commended English statesmen as far-seeing, and said he did not doubt the sincerity of tlieir professions of friendship, but if they were unwilling to accept naval equity with the United States he could see no safe course “except to increase our armaments.” He declared, however, that he would vote for the Kellogg Pact a$ "a substantial step toward universal peace.” Senator Gillette expressed resentment at tiie “Shylock” allusion of Dean Staples and added: “When a high dignitary of the Church and a professional follower of the Prince of Peace parades such provocative and belligerent sentiments we can hardly rely upon the pacific-and friendly attitude of all the rest of the English people.” INFLUENCE OF MONROE DOCTRINE (Australian Press Association.) Washington, December 14. The Reservationists, led by Senator Reed, succeeded iu again delaying the expected vote ou the ratification of the Kellogg Treaty in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Senator Reed and others indicated in the debate that they would propose an accompanying resolution, stating emphatically that the United States would accept no implied sanctions in the treaty and would reserve all its rights regarding the Monroe Doctrine. Senator Reed later said that the Reservationists would seek to have this resolution ‘transmitted to all of the fifty-nine signatory nations. The resolutio.n would have the effect of reservation, although it could not formally be classed as such. Senator Borah declared that the Committee will meet again on December .17 and sit every day ’ until the treaty can be voted upon, but he admitted that the new delay makes ratification before Christmas improbable. In the meantime word lias been received that the Cuban Senate has ratified tiie document. GENEVA DISARMAMENT COMMISSION (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) Washington, December 14. President Coolidge is of opinion that the United States Government is ready to participate iu any further deliberation at Geneva of the Preparatory Disarmament Commission on the question of the limitation of armaments.