ARMAMENT CONFERENCE.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 1978, 21 November 1921, Page 4

ARMAMENT CONFERENCE.

The developments in regard to the American proposals for the of armaments are assuming an interesting phase. While the United States has laid down the basis upon which it considers the expenditure upon armaments might be reduced, Britain has taken the practical step of immediately reducing expenditure. This has come as a surprise, both in America and Britain, and critics are expressing a doubt whether such precipitate action is warranted by the progress of events. On the other hand, Japan does not appear to be satisfied with the ratio laid down for the relative strengths of the nations. So far as France is concerned, her interests are upon the land, and not upon the water. Before she agrees to any reduction in defence, expenditure, she requires an assurance that her frontiers will be adequately protected against the neighbouring Powers. The Far Eastern problem has not yet been solved, but there seems to be a concensus of opinion that the integrity of China must be maintained at all costs, and that the open door policy, if adopted, shall place the whole of the Powers upon an equal footing. The Conference has opened its proceedings under the most auspicious circumstances, but there are many serious obstacles yet to be overcome before the ideals expounded in the opening speeches will be capable of practical achievement.