NEW PEACE CHARTER

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 125, 20 February 1919, Page 5

NEW PEACE CHARTER

AN HISTORIC OCCASION

LEAGUE COVENANT EXPOUNDED TO

CONFERENCE

MANY VITAL PROBLEMS UNSOLVED MR. MASSEY INTERVIEWED . By TelegrapK—Press Association—Copyright London, Febrnary 18. Official: Both the New Zealand Ministers attended the third plenary session of the. Peace Conference, at which the draft of- the covenant of the League of Nations was submitted and expounded as the 1 new charter of the peace and unselfish cooperation of the.world. It was an historic occasion, of which the outstanding feature was the manner in which the covenanting signatories sought to impart their optimism to the Conference, of which many members do not accept the charter as the beginning of a new heaven and a new earth. The draft was now generally discussed, and a full discussion is expected later. Mr. Massey, in an interview, said.that no exception could be taken, to the principles and aims ,of the League, but opinions must differ as to' its practical effect as machinery to end war, since many of the vital problems connected with the. scheme were still unsolved. There was nothing definite, for example, as regards disarmament, freedom of . the 6eas, and finance for the numerous mandatories and the forces required to enforce the League's will on unruly and unscrupulous nations who would not be disciplined by. precious ideals alone. Then the arbitration scheme was nebulous, and gave no guarantee, of security. He thought an exhaustive consideration of disputes might have some influence in averting war.

The proposals with regard to disarmament callM for careful consideration and scrutiny. No one would, challenge the fact that the war would not have been won without the British Navy, which to-day was the world's most potent influence for. peace. It had been a giant whose strength had been exercised not for oppression and aggression, but. for the peace and freedom of the world. Was this Samson to be shorn of his strength without due regard for the results, or without a careful examination of substitutes for its strengtli ? It was by far tho world's best instrument for peace, and any proposed interference with it must be keenly examined. Then there was the question of the Central Powers. Were they to become members of the League before they had given proof of their regeneration, or had made reparation for their crimes against the world? Immunity from punishment would not discourage crime, nor would it tend to end aggressive war. Tho peace of the world depended not alone on the league of Nations, but also upon the conditions which would be imposed upon the enemy countries, not only financially but also in military and naval matters. The Conference must do its plain duty in these respects, as well'as make a genuine effort to prevent the recurrence of the horrors that humanity has ex perieuced during the past 'five years.— Aus.rN.Z, Cable Assn.

THE MANDATORY SYSTEM

AN EXPOSITION OF BRITISH PRINCIPLES.

London, February IG. "The Times," in.a leader, says it is a source of pride to Englishmen that! the article expounding tho mandatory'system of government might be taken as an exposition of the principles which animate the relations of Britain, India, and the Dominions. That the Dominions are recognised as uations before tho world is a fact of tremendous significance. The League of Nations is tho culmination of a sane and enlightened patriotism. The. covenant is- the most important international document ever puutished. If worked in the spirit of the founders it will exercise a permanent influence for the good of the human race.—"The Times."

PRESIDENT WILSON'S VIEWS MODIFIED

THE IDEALISTIC DREAM TRANSFORMED.

London, February 15. French newspapers, commenting on the League of Nations, indicate that President Wilson, after facing the realities of the European situation, has abandoned his plans for an' . idealistic League, and has modified his views to harmonise with his European colleagues, especially the French. Thus the idealistic, dream has been transformed into aj League of the five Great Powers' who conquered Germany, and who are determined to consolidate the victory into peace— itus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. OPINIONS ON .THE COVENANT

MR. TAFT CONSIDERS IT AN • EFFECTIVE DOCUMENT. New York, February 15. In an interview with the New York "World's" correspondent at Miles City, •Montana, Mr. W. •H. Taft said: "The League of Nations covenant appears to be an effective document, though there are many things to be worked out later." —Aus.-N.Z. Cable A6sn.

VIEWS OF AMERICAN POLITICIANS. (Rec. February 19, 10.10 p.m.) Now York, February 15. The New York "Times" Washington correspondent states: Tho Republican Senators and representatives are generally reluctant to discuss the constitution of the League of Nations pending a party decision regarding • the attitude to be adopted towards the Lea'gue. There are indications that the ratifications constituting the League may be bitterly opposed. The Republican leaders are eagerly awaiting Mr. Taft'6 views. There is a fear expressed that President Wilson may try to force the ratification through Congress before his return to Franco. The Democratic leaders approve the League. It is likely that final action relating to tlie size of the United StatesArmy and Navy will bo postponed until final action has been decided upon in reference to the League.—Aus.-N.Z.' Cable Assn.

LEAGUE ATTACKED IN THE i SENATE.. '

■ ■ ' Washington, February 18. Senator Vardaman, speaking in the Senate, attacked the League of Nations as unconstitutional. It was wrong, he said, for President ATilson to ask the Senate to be silent pending the return of the President.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ITALIAN PRESS ENTHUSIASTIC. Rome, February 15. The newspapers comment enthusiastically on the League of Nations Covenant. —Aus.-N.E. Cablo Assn. POSSESSION OFSAAR VALLEY NEEDED BY FRANCE TO SECURE HER FRONTIER. (Rec. February 19, 10.15 p.m.) Paris, February 15. In an interview M. Bouillon, president of the Parliamentary Commission on Foreign Affaire, said: "The Parliament of France wijl not ratify, and tho people of France" will rise against, any peace treaty which does not give France fclie security which is possible only by the possession of the Saar Valley ana the neutralisation of the left bank of the Rhino. Ranchmen will not accept a League of Nations which is unable to protect our eastern frontiers with an international armed ofrce. My opinion is that an Allied watch must be kept on the Rhine' for at least five years,"—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assof