Conference. Avast programme of work, he said, had been laid: down by" Signor Mussolini for the progress of the country which required 5 long period of peace for. Jexccution, Italy desired nothing better than a peaceful Europe and peaceful world, The hopes of the [peoples would be disappointed if the London Conference failed and unless Minister, emphasized that Italy would. be second. to. none in its efforts to secure the alme of the the Conference Afforded. concrete trid decisive evidence not merely to Timit but to reduce armaments.
Signor Grandi recognized the calties, Any might seem insuperable, he said if faced from a purely technical standpoint, but he con tinued "it we conoider them in their idea political aspects and in. the spirit in which the governments of the world and notably the five great Powers here represented signed the solemn Pact outlawing war, we ought to be able to overcome them, Mts. Wakatsoki the head of the Japanese Legation anda former Premier of Japan, said that Japan's intense interest inthe Conference was an eloquent sign of the coun-fey's pacific intentions.
Mr. Wakatsuki saw no insuperable obstacles in the path of the confer-Jence and declared that Japan was) pledged to free and loyal collaboration. Japan, he-said, was to go in conjunction with the other Powers, to the limit in naval disarmament and was ready to effect not merely limitation but the reduction which she considered would be appropriate to the necessary programme of peace. Her only concern was to Keep the sense of] national security undisturbed by retaining a forte adequate for the defence of her Empire, but ineuff-
Jcient for offensive operations.
Colonel Stimson proposed Mr.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.