WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14712, 29 July 1921, Page 5

WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

AMERICA & DISARMAMENT MUST TAKE NO RISKS. THEODORE ROOSEVELT EMPHATIC. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received July 28, 9.40 p.m. WASHINGTON, July 27. Mr Theodore Roosevelt, AssistantSecretary of the Navy, in a speech, declared that the limitation of armaments will be tho thought uppermost at the coming limitation of armaments conference. , "But I want to say we must never, under any circumstances, put our country in a position wfiere she would he unable to defend herself against anything and everything' arising'- The pacifists are muddle-headed idiots, and will shout for the United States to set. an example, but we must never disarm and then wait for other armed nations to act."

PUBLICATION OF DESPATCHES. BETWEEN AMERICA AND JAPAN. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received July 28, 9.40 p.m. WASHINGTON, July 27. The Slate Department has published the correspondence between Japan and the United States relative to the Pacific conference. The United States Government on July 23 despatched a note to Tokio answering Japan's request to be advised of the scope and nature of the objects to be discussed at the conference. The note stated that the Secretary of State in conversations witli Baron Shidehara, the Japanese Ambassador, had expressed a hope that Japan would not press its inquiry, in view of the fact that it was desirable that there should be a full acceptance of the United States' invitation, leaving this matter open for adjustment in a precise agenda to be arrived at later. The note concluded, VThe Secretary of State is willing to proceed with exchanges of opinion regarding the agenda prior to the meeting of the conference. He considers it inadvisable at the present moment to hamper the programme, and particularly to delay arrangements for the conference, pending an agreement regarding this matter." Japan's reply stales: "The Government is informed that the United States is willing io proceed with exchanges of opinion regarding the agenda prior to the conference meeting, and the United States considers it advisable to adjust in the agenda the nature of the scope of Ihc Pacific and Far Eastern questions, which will be discussed. Japan, upon that understanding, is happy to inform the United States of its intention gladly to accept the invitation to the conference. Japan, in order to secure the success of the conference, deems it advisable that the agenda should be arranged according to the main object of discussion —namely, the establishment of an enduring peace and the advancement of human welfare, and the introduction therein of problems of sole concern to certain and particular powers, or such matters as may be regarded as accomplished facts, should be scrupulously avoided.