DISARMAMENT.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 11 April 1927, Page 7

DISARMAMENT.

(Per Press Association—Copyright. GENEVA, April 9. Gloom pervaded yesterday’s meeting of the preparatory Disarmament Conference. M. de Bronchere (Belgium), said whereas disarmament was the original aim, this had been modified, firstly to reduction of armaments, then to limitation, and finally it seemed to have reached a stage when even the word limitation was too strong. Now it had come to a question of expenditure. ■ Viscount Cecil endeavoured to dispel the pessimism by reviewing the work accomplished, then Count Ternstoiff (Germany) struck another discordant note, by insisting that France recognise her obligations under Article IV. of the Treaty of Versailles, and that the League discharge the mandate under Article VIII., both dealing with disarmament.

M. Boncour (France) replied with some heat, saying that it was true the Treaty laid it down as a duty of the signatories to disarm eventually, but only according to the terms of the Treaty. It was true that Article VIII. provided for disarmament, but it took specific cognisance of geographical and other considerations. Colonies, political commitments, and other factors must be considered. Count Bernstorff retorted io the effect that Germany had disarmed, but she could not be content to remain in the midst of a Europe armed. The patience of the German people in face ol this problem, liad/been greater than the world had ever seen. Mr Gibson, in an effort to smooth mutters, said the essential part of the Camniission’s work had only just begun.

Viscount Sato (Japan/, and M. Rutgegs (Holland) spoke similarly, but it is considered the delegates realise that issues are being forced into the open, and that a showdown is- imminent.