UNITED STATES MAY ENFORCE WAR DEBT

Manawatu Times, Volume LII, Issue 3538, 21 February 1927, Page 7

UNITED STATES MAY ENFORCE WAR DEBT

If France Rejects Disarmament Proposal DETERMINED TO COMMAND RESPECT OF POWERS [By Electric Cable—Copyright.] [Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] . (Received Sunday, 5.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Feb. IS. The linking of the French war-debt to the limited States with, the disarmament question, occurred to-day when following upon the passage through the House of Representatives of on appropriation of 75,000 dollars to defray the expenses of American participation in the preparatory disarmament conference at Geneva, Representative Begg urged that Prance should be informed that in view of her refusal of President Coolidge’s invitation she is expected to pay every cent, of her obligations to the United States. Representative Begg, moreover, stated that the Powers should be given notice that if the spirit of co-operation for reduction of armaments is lacking the United States can and will build a national defence sufficient to command the respect of the world. Furthermore, money should not be loaned to any nation not agreeing to sit at a conference to determine if it is not possible to reduce armaments. ITALIAN REPLY TO PRESIDENT. MODIFIED BY MUSSOLINI. (Received Sunday, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 19. The "Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent states that whereas two or three days ago the Italian reply to Premier Coolldge was decided in a frank negative by the Naval Advisors, it is understood that Signor Mussolini intervened in consequence' the draft of the reply has been altered and modified, taking into consideration the Ttalo-Amerlcan relations and the recent co-operation with Britain. JAPAN ACCEPTS PROPOSAL. (Received Sunday, 5.5 p.mO WASHINGTON, Fob. 19. The State Department has received Japan’s acceptance of the American proposal for naval limitation discussion. JAPAN WANTS DELAY TILL JUNE. FRANCE AND ITALY MAY BE FORCED TO JOIN. , (Received Sunday, 11 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Feb. 1L The Japanese Note accepting Presf dent Cooltdge’s disarmament proposals has been received and textually it states Japan fully shares with America the views expressed in the memor. andum. Japan cordially welcomes the Initiative taken by the United States and will be happy to participate in such negotiations. , It empowers its representatives to conclude an agreement on the subject.

The Government in view of the importance of the problem finds it essential that at last part of the Japanese delegation shall be sent from Tolclo, and due time will be necessary for preparations and the journey. It would be Impossible to participate in a five-Power Conference if such should occur immediately after the forthcoming Session of- the Preparatory Disarmament Commission at Geneva. Japan, therefore, suggests the five-Power meeting be not earlier than, June 1.

The Note concludes that the Japanese Government is gratified to learn it is not the intention of the American Government to advance rigid proposals on the ratios of naval strength to be maintained by the several Powers in a class of vessels not covered by the Washington Treaty. It seoxnij highly important in order to ensure the success of the proposed, negotiations that in the matter of the conditions Of limitations of armaments all parties to the negotiations should approach the matter with an open mind, being always guided by a spirit of mutual accommodation and helpfulness consistent with the defensive requirements of each nation. The Government confidently hopes the agreement will be peached In a manner fair and satisfactory to each participating Power and conductive to the general peace and security of the world. While there is considerable conjecture whether Japan’s acceptance of President Coolldge’s proposal would be affected If only three Powers accept, it is felt that pressure of sentiment may be so great as to force France and Italy into a naval conference. Officials believe that some. results would accrue from such a conference. There is a feeling of. conviction that Britain’s acceptance will be along tho lines of Japan’s, and President Coolidge ig expected to give serious thought to the advisability of asking theso two Governments to co-operate with the United States in an earnest effort to conclude a treaty of limitation of naval armaments without regard to Franco or Italy. Senator Borah conferred with President Cooltdgo immediately after the receipt of Japan’s Note.