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Show Kin LIOMlUVlrAil.L.i I ..lu I urIC Question of International Importance to Be Discussed at Legion National Na-tional Convention. The question of an international air disarmament conference will be one of the principal topics for discussion at the American Legion's national convention con-vention in San Francisco, according to Legion national officials. When the Legion started its poll of prominent citizens to ascertain public sentiment in regard to the advisability of holding a conference to limit military mili-tary air forces in Washington, the question claimed the serious attention of Legionnaires in all departments and a number of state organizations have recommended that the national convention con-vention consider the issue. The Legion believes that world peace Is threatened by the unusual air programs pro-grams sponsored by France, England, Italy and Russia. Led by France, the nations of Europe are involved in a race for air supremacy which the Legion feels may result in a necessity for appropriations of billions of dollars dol-lars on the part of this country unless un-less an international agreement la reached to reduce air forces. Public sentiment favors the proposed pro-posed conference, according to results obtained to date from the poll which elicited replies from members of congress, con-gress, governors, editors, college presidents presi-dents and many prominent citizens. Of the letters received, approximately 90 per cent express approval of the gathering. Through the views of commentators runs a definite current of opinion that the conference should be held as soon as possible and that If it is not held, the United States should take steps at once to obtain thorough protection In air armament. Writers admit the difficulties dif-ficulties of obtaining representation at the gathering because of the situation In Europe, but express the belief that the attempt should be made, thereby revealing to the world the nations refusing re-fusing to co-operate In a movement for world peace. Included In the list of commentators are a number of Americans whose words on questions of an International character always are sure of a respectful respect-ful hearing. Senator Henry Oabot Lodge, chairman of the senate committee com-mittee on foreign relations, who was one of the members of the American delegation to the Washington arms limitation conference of 1921, has expressed ex-pressed approval of the Legion's campaign cam-paign in principle. Ha wrote that he favored limitations in aircraft similar to those made in naval strength, provided pro-vided that the agreement for limitation limita-tion is International. Newton D. Baker, former secretary of war, believes that the conference should be held at once because "the limitation of air armaments Is the most Important and vital possible llmlta- tion. However, ne auas tne tnougnt that International protection must be afforded to the security of certain nations na-tions which, because of their Inferior man-power, have been forced to rely upon their superior Ingenuity In developing de-veloping and producing the most modern mod-ern and scientific agencies of war. That the Legion's suggestion would have the support of the farm bloc is Indicated In-dicated In the enthusiastic letter received re-ceived from Senator Arthur Capper of Kansas who has written that It has won his hearty Indorsement. "It seems to me that nn International conference con-ference would be very helpful toward bringing about an ngreement which would end competition between nations na-tions for supremacy In the air a policy pol-icy which unquestionably Is not only useless but a menace to the peace of the world," his letter reads. "You are correct when you say that now Is tbo time to consider this matter. Delay will undoubtedly complicate the situation situa-tion and make It more difficult to remove re-move the menace." Ix-glon leaders have expressed gratification grati-fication that President Coolidge favors the alms of the proixmed conference, but disagree with his belief that the time Is not ripe for convening the gathering and that this government should set an example by refraining from engaging In competitive building of aircraft. "Our stand should be to find out for certain whether nations ore ready to discuss limitation of nlr armament, and If they are not, begin Immediately to strengthen our nlr forces, which are now not those of a first class power," Lemuel Bollcs, Legion national adjutant, adju-tant, has stated. "The- worst thing that could happen to the country today to-day would be a move to disregard preparedness pre-paredness In the face of the European contest and for the Legion to penult such an Interpretation to jtow from Its suggestion of limitation would be to repudiate our four-yenr record for pro-pa pro-pa redness." Tho Legion's campaign has aroused much public comment nnd has been the subject of editorials In newspapers all over tho country. It hag become one of the loading measures In that organization organ-ization campaign for the advancement advance-ment of world peace. |