INVITATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, 12 July 1921, Page 5

INVITATION

TO LIMITATION OF ARMAMENTS CONFtRENCI: PRESIDENT HARDING TAKES ACTION

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) Australian & N.Z. Cable Association

WASHINGTON, duly 10.

It is announced that President Hardine approached Britain, .I*ranee, Italy ~„d Japan to ascertain whether they are willing to participate m a conference on the subject of the limitation of armaments, to be held at Washington at a time mutually agreed upon, if the proposals are found acceptable a formal invitation to such conference will he issued. The text of the inquiry addressed to tlie powers stales: "U is manifest that the question of the limitation of armaments has a close relation to the Pacific and Far Eastern problems, and (he President suggests that the powers specially interested should undertake in uonnoction with (his conference the consideration of all mutters hearing on I heir solution, with a view to reaching a common understanding m leaped ot principles and policies in the I'ar East. . ■ • , China is also invited participate in the, discussion of Far Eastern problemS' LONDON, July 11. Mr Lloyd George communicated with President Harding, also with Japan and China, regarding tho proposed conference, and it ts confidently anticipated that beneficial results will follow President Harding’s stop.

PRESIDENT HARDING’S

CONFERENCE

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright ) (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association)

LONDON, July 11- . Mr Lloyd George in the House ot Commons said he gladly accepted President Harding’s conference on disarmament. and the Pacific question.

\ MOMENTOUS AND TIMELY STATEMENT”

LONDON, July 11. The Times ia a leader says President Harding’s momentous and timely statement opens a new and, we hope fruitful phase in the problem of the Pacific. No doubt the British Government, with the full concurrence of the Dominion, will gladly and promptly accept, the proposal m the same spirit iIS it is made. The Dominion Premiers, were - were week-end guests at Chequers Court, arc probably aware of the imminence of tiie message and have already discussed the expediency of tho Pacific Conference. For this reason the arrival of the message was specially timely, precluding misapprehensions as to the American attitude. If 168 ® misunderstandings now appear trivial m view of President Hardings opportune action. The task of the pio posed conference is both as delicate and dangerous as any conference ever essayed to discharge. Tho Icacc Conference at Paris was not faced with vaster issues, fraught with greater possibilities for good or evil. The Paris conference’s haphazard methods should oulv he summoned after tho most careful examination of preliminary problems and the utmost caution in' the reparation agenda. With this precaution it should succeed to the world’s lasting benefit.