THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE 467 In such an event the other parties to the treaty should hold a conference to determine what temporary modifications if any should be made in the treaty as between themselves. If no agreement should be reached any one of the parties might suspend most of its obligations for the period of hostilities. On cessation of war, another conference of the contracting parties should be held to consider what changes if any should be made in the text of the treaty. The submarine and poison gas treaty between the United States, Great Britain, Japan, Italy, and France was drawn up for the purpose of making the rules adopted by civilized nations for the protection of neutrals and non-combatants at sea in war time more effective and to prevent the use of poison gases and chemicals as weapons of war. The four power treaty signed by the United States, Great Britain, France, and Japan was intended to replace the AngloJapanese treaty and to insure the continuance of peaceful relations in the region of the Pacific. Certain agreements were reached regarding China. They were intended to promote her independence, to protect equal trade opportunities, and to prevent controversies between foreign powers interested in her domain. A satisfactory agreement was reached between the United States and Japan regarding certain disputed matters. The Washington Conference was unable to accomplish anything toward reducing land armaments partly because of disturbed conditions in Europe, partly because of the attitude of France. The French explained that their position was dependent on the European situation and on the potential danger offered by Germany. Even with that country disarmed and economically prostrated, they felt that the maintenance of a large army and compulsory military service was necessary to the safety of France. While the naval equipment of the five world powers has been reduced and limited and provision made for future conferences on matters affecting the treaties negotiated, enough equipment has been retained to afford each country comparative security. With no reduction in land forces and a proportionate reduction in naval forces, each country is still equipped to meet any rival. The naval limitation treaty contains no guarantee that peace will be maintained between the five powers or between them and any other powers. Indeed it makes provision to free any of the contracting powers from the major part of the obligations of the treaty in case of hostility. The submarine and poison gas treaty deals with international law for future conflicts and im plies the liability of war. The four power treaty provides for a conference between the powers should any disagreement arise over their insular possessions in the Pacific. But the decisions reached are not compulsory and if no agreement can be made the logical outcome is war. Moreover some people feel that despite the Senate's reservation, this treaty involves the United States in an entangling alliance. On the other hand if the four powers most interested in the Pacific had not made such an agreement, it is quite unlikely that they would have accepted any project to reduce naval forces. The very fact that the terms of the treaty provide for a conference in case of controversy ought to prove helpful in preventing hasty action and war. It may be said of the Washington Conference that it resembled its predecessors in that it was a gathering called in time of peace, acknowledged the probability of future wars by passing measures to regulate their conduct, attempted to define the rights and duties of nations in a controverted area, and to adopt some measures for preventing war. It surpassed its predecessors because it took the first definite step toward the disarmament of the great powers. CONCLUSION The period following the World War has been marked by a series of attempts to bring about improved economic conditions and establish a stable peace. The various conferences and economic commissions are all indicative of efforts in this direction. Unfortunately these attempts lack a genuine determination to abolish warfare. They fail to attack fundamentals and to remove the causes of war. World peace is as possible of attainment as national peace. Self-control, sacrifice, desire, and compulsion can effectively prevent further wars. One of the first moves toward this end should be a national housecleaning. The nations must solve the economic, political, and social problems that breed discontent and produce revolution and international war. In addition they must be willing to adopt the measures that are essential to world peace. Halfway measures will not suffice. Nations and individuals must be imbued with the determination to go all the way even if this way means radical changes and the replacement of nationalism by internationalism. BIBLIOGRAPHY THE NATION'S IDEALS ADAMS, E. D. The Power of Ideals in American History. New Haven, 1913. BEARD, C. A. American Government and Politics. New York, 1920. BRYCE, J. The American Commonwealth. 2 vols., New York, 1915. -The Promise of American Life. New York, 1911. DE TOCQUEVILLE, A. Democracy in America. 4 vols., New York, 1898. DODD, W. E. State Government. New York, 1922. FARRAND, M. The Development of the United States from Colonies to a World Power. New York, 1918. FRANK, G. An American Looks at His World. Newark, Del., 1923. v FULTON, M. G. National Ideals and Problems. New York, 1918. HALL, A. B. Popular Government. New York, 1921. HAMMOND, J. H., and JENKS, J. W. Great American Issues. New York, 1921. HART, A. B. National Ideals Historically Traced. New York, 1907. KIMBALL, E. State and Municipal Government in the United States. LINGLEY, C. R. Since the Civil War. New York, 1920. MACDONALD, W. Three Centuries of American Democracy. New York, 1923. MCLAUGHLIN, A. C. Steps in the Development of American Democracy. New York, 1920. MUNRO, W. B. The Government of the United States. New York, 1919. OGG, F. A., and RAY, P. O. An Introduction to American Government. New York, 1922. PAXSON, F. L. Recent History of the United States. New York, 1921. RAY, P. O. An Introduction to Political Parties and Practical Politics. New York, 1917. ކ |