DISARMAMENT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, 14 July 1921, Page 5

DISARMAMENT

PRESIDENTHAROING’S CONFERENCE

JAPAN INVITED

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

TOKIO, July 12,

The American Charge d’Affaires handed (he disarmament note to. the Foreign Minister,

A high naval authority says the Japanese navy is ready to enter any reasonable arrangement.

JAPANESE ATTITUDE

TOKIO, July 13

The Foreign Office issued a statement to Die effect that Japan’s favourable attitude towards disarmament is unchanged, hut the Government is not yet ready to make a direct statement regarding President Harding’s proposal. Japan has notified the League of Nations that if any situation arises where tiie Anglo-Japanesc Alliance terms appear to be inconsistent with the League procedure the latter will prevail. The newspaper Asahi Shimbun says that Japan will probably agree to disarmament in principle, provided the existing naval programme is not interfered with, including eight battleships and eight battle cruisers. ITALY ACCEPTS INVITATION WASHINGTON, July 13. The State Department has received Italy’s acceptance of President Harding’s invitation to the disarmament conference.

FRENCH OPINION

PARTS, July 12,

The French nev/spapers discuss President Harding’s proposal in terms of general approbation, though it is felt that some reservation is necessary as regards land armaments. Le Temps declares that limitation of armaments in Europe premises as a necessary condition limitation of risks of a European war. The newspaper Liberti, while favourable, regards the proposal as a death blow to the League of Nations. BRITAIN’S REPRESENTATIVE LONDON, July 13. It is regarded as certain that_ Mr Balfour attends President Harding’s disarmament conference. Mr Lloyd George is undecided.

MR HUGpiS INVITED LONDON, July 13. It is stated in well-informed circles that Mr Hughes has been invited to attend the Washington conference. His decision will be largely influenced by the political feeling in Australia. Unless reassuring advice should change his views his present intention is To hurry home at the earliest moment.

The constant application to conference business is telling heavily on the delegates-

THE POPE AND THE CONFERENCE ROME, July 13. Tho Observator, in a note, warmly congratulates President Harding upon taking action similar to the Pope in August, 1917.. The paper adds that the Pope experienced the liveliest pleasure in seeing his prayers realised under America’s powerful initiative