Sept. 20.
'The statement by the British' Government of its attitude towards the recent demand of the German Government for equal of armaments follows lines that} anticipated. It will be noticed that the statement is not framed on the non possums basis of the French reply, but, as far as it is possible and without entirely closing the door. to further negotiation, it reaffirms then there was no need for the issue to be raised at this juneture. If on the other hand she intends, with or without the consent of the Powers interested, to embark upon an extensive re-Jarmament programme, then the question very naturally arises as to how far Germany's creditors were misled by her representations prior to and at the Conference which dealt with the matter, If rearmament, far as' Germany is ce) teemed is in fact a questi lof practical polities, it is difieul!
reconeille that fact with ti pleas of imminent -bankrupt which were so eloquently put forward about this time last year, and which ultimately led to fa scaling down of her obligations ina manner which spoke voluctes for the desire of the world for Germany's rehabilitation. If then that relief from what then Jappeared to be an overpowering burden is to be and can be used for the purpose of military and naval expansion it seems to be perfectly clear that it was grant-led on a larger scale than was really necessary.
'The support which Italy axd Russia have accorded the proposals is not only interesting but important, but it will be a hideous thing' if the political requirements of those two countries for a stronger set Jo against France should be allowed to upset all the good work which has been done towards the ultimate establisiment of better guarantees of peace than have existed in the past. Against their point of that of Britain and the United States, where Washington hopes that Germany will reconsider her withdrawal from the Conference. America is as keen on the reduction of armaments as it ever was. The plan. put forward by Mr. Hoover is sufficient indication of this and while it did not meet with all the: success it was hoped it would, sufficient progress has been made with its consideration to bel
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.