WHERE AMERICA STANDS.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 1600, 31 May 1924, Page 7

WHERE AMERICA STANDS.

SPEECH M PRESIDENT. ■ WORL& COURT AND ARMAMENTS. A PRACTICAL IDEAL. (A istralian fnd N.Z Cable Assn./; Received May 31, 11.30 a.m. WASHINGTON, May 30. President Coolidge, in a Memorial Day address at the Arlin National Cemetery, repudiated proposals for American adherence to the World Court that depart from the HardingHughes' plan,, and emphatically endorsed the protocol for a Permanent Court of International Justice, with the late President. Harding's reservalions, saying: "This plan already has my approval. I should not oppose other reservations, but it would be impracticable to offer material conditions' which would probably fail to receive the consent of many other nations. Our adherence to the' World Court would be in entire harmony with the policy we have long advocated. I do not regard if as a certain guarantee against war, hut as a method of disposing of troublesome questions, the 'accumulation of which results in mutually hostile sentiments. If we are willing to assume new duties in exchange for accruing benefits, let us say <o. We can accomplish nothing by taking a doubtful and ambiguous position. We cannot avoid meeting the world and hearing our share of its burdens. We must meet the burdens and overcome them or they will meet and overcome us. I desire the country lo meef them in the upright, downright square American way." Referring to the timidity in some quarters regarding the Court, he'said: "While some think adherence to the Courl exposes us Lo peril. I can not attach great weight to their arguments. Whatever differences and whatever perils exist for us will come whether we oppose or support ' the Court."

Touching the question of armamenls, President Coolidge said: "I believe in the maintenance of an army and navy for defence, not aggression, but 1 am opposed to every kind of military aggrandisement and all forms of competitive armaments. The ideal would be for the nations' to become parties to mutual covenants limiting the military establishments, and making it obvious that they are not maintained as a menace to each other. This ideal should be made practical as far js possible." President Coolidge, at the conclusion of bis address, advanced to the tomb of (he unknown soldier, accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, members of Congress, aide-de-camps, and Ambassadors', and deposited a wreath to the accompaniment of mournful liusAq notes.