M. Tardieu Stiffens
The Disarmament Conference has been rather marking time while the Special Assembly on the Shanghai question monopolizes attention at Geneva. But, meanwhile, M. Tardieu has been, making some disturbing statements to the Foreign Affairs- Committee of the Chamber in Paris. Questioned on his talk 'with- II-err Nadolny, discussed in these columns last week; the French Premier declared
he could agree to no increase of Gerrriany's armaments under any conditions. It is clear, therefore,- that there can be no approach to the equality of treatment which Germany demands except on, the basis of a heavy, reduc- tion of French armaments. And as. to that, Mr. Tardieu declared that he would not agree to reduce at all unless the French plan submitted at Geneva were accepted. That statement must no doubt not be read too literally. 11. Tardieu has never demandedthat his plandie.adopted as it stands without abatement or amendment. But if agreement cannot be reached on the substance of it the prospects at Geneva will be unpropitious—unless indeed there is a Ministry of the Left in office in France in May.
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