THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 116, 10 February 1919, Page 5

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS

REPORTED ISSUE OF NEW DRAFT PRESIDENT WILSON'S SCHEME DISCARDED LORD ROBERT CECIL'S PLAN FAVOURED GENERAL OUTLINE OF THE PROVISIONS By Telegraph-Prees Association-Copyright (Bee. February 9, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, February 7. The barometer is rising to-day for the League of Nations. As they contemplate tha new draft which has been issued the delegates must be astonished at its moderation and the practical power for good which has been concentrated with zealous unanimity upon the great project. The commission has agreed on all vital principles and produced a draft which is stamped throughout with British practicalism. President Wilson's echeme, which was founded on General Smuts's and Lord Phillimore'e, has been discarded in favour of Lord Robert Cecil's ■Bβ the basis. The draft provides for the continuation of the present council as the League's' beginning. The five Great Powers here are named as the basis for th<j League. They have power to bring in members,but every new member must be elected by a two-thirds vote and agree to observe the League restrictions concerning armamente and the general rules. The League's headquarters will be at the capital of the League, which will be chosen later. There a conference of all the members will be held when required. This will be something like a_ plenary conference. At Paris the executive council, consisting of the Great Powers' representatives, will meet frequently—the idea is every two months, but the periods are not stated in the draft. The League's constitution guarantees the integrity and sovereignty of all >members. The executive has considerable powers, and it can co-operate with delegates. Thus, if a dispute arose in the Southern Pacific, the Australasian representatives would bo summoned only. The permanent machinery provided is etrong and secret. It is headed by a Secrotary-General, who has large initiating authority. The Secretariat will bo constantly working, investigating and preparing data for the executive's consideration. No provision is made for a President of the League. There i? no cumbrous scheme for worldwide elections and refoirendunis, the,prospect merely being that the Groat Powers' Premiers and Foreign Secretaries will meet regularly, like tho present council. Tho draft provides three phases in settling disputes— the first diplomacy, the next arbitration, and then war; but. war will only bo pormissiblo if, after three months' consideration, a disputant refuses the arbitrator's decision. Subordinate commissions dealing with labour, health, aerial, etc., will constantly work under the council. The nations can choose their' delegates at will. This is n. general outline of a lengthy scheme which will pTobably be ready for publication in a few days. Separato representation of the Dominions as separate signatories of the League was provided for in Lord Robert Cecil's 6cheme. It is stated that this has disappeared from the draft, but little' anxiety is felt that it will be ultimately included. All fhe Dominion delegations are resolutely determined that it shall be included, and Sir Robert Borden is most active in his insistence. The draft will doubtless bo further amended before it is I finally adopted.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. • SIZE OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE THREE PROPOSALS DISCUSSED. (Rec. February 9, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, February 7. The League of Nations Commission has agreed upon the size, of the executive committee of the permanent League. Three nnposals were discussed. Franco favoured a proposal that all tho national delegates should decide the number to b5 on the executive. The British proposition limited the executive to tlio five big Powers, with provision to call in the smaller Powers when their interests demanded. President Wilson's plan advocated one each from the great Powers and ono each from the four smaller Powers (? for each group of-four of the smaller Powers), with a proviso that a minority of three be sufficient to block any resolution. M. Bourgeois proposed the adoption of President Wilson's plan, with modifications, because it afforded the thickest means of agreement. 31. Bourgeois's motion was accepted.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. PENALTIES FORJIAKING WAR THE FREEDOM OF THE SEAS. Paris, February 6^ The League of Nations-Committee discussed suggestions for penalties against Powers making war in of the League. , The question of compulsory arbitration was referred to a committee consisting of President Wilson, Mr. Lloyd George, and Mr. Balfour, to draw up recommendations. Several useful suggestions were made by the Japanese delegates, who are desirous of co-operating to the fullest extent. America indented a separate memorandum, inclnding suggestions regarding the freedom of tho seas. This question is not likely to be dealt with practically until the'Leagiie is an accomplished fact. Embodied' in the memorandum are details regarding- conscription and disarmament. It is argued that there cannot be freedom of the seas without the abolition of submarines and of restriction of the use of mines outside territorial waters. The latter may be increased beyond the three-mile limit, in view- of the increased ranee of modern artillery. Tt is suggested that mines used should- become indurative when they break from their anchorage.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ENFORCING THE LEAGUE'S DECISIONS (Eec. February 9, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, February 7. 'Although it seems certain that compulsory arbitration will not be part of the constitution of the League of Nations the League will use the economic pressure of the blockade to enforce its decisions — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ABOLITION OF CONSCRIPTION OPPOSED. Paris, February 7. Eliven articles relating to the League of K'afions 'have been adopted by the Peaci Conference Committee. Signqr OrlaMdo (Italy) and M. _ Bourgeois (France) opnnsed thp abolition of con«, scription. The meeting postponed its decision on the question nf using military fores against recalcitrant members of the League. One-half of the constitution of the League has now been adopted, and the clauses approved include those which fix the lwsitive functions of the League. -Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.