LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 135, 3 March 1919, Page 5

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

' EXPLAINED BY PRESIDENT WILSON I BEFORE CONGRESSMEN AT WHITE HOUSE SENTIMENT IN FAVOUR OF ' LEAGUE STRENGTHENED By Telegraph—Press Association-Ooavrieht New York, February 27. The New York "World's" Washington correspondent understands that President Wilson, in discussing the League of Nations before Congressmen at the White House dinner, pointed out that Britain would not dominate the League by controlling the votes of New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and Soutji Africa, because the policy of the Dominions would not be the same as that of Britain. The League could not make war on a dissenting member except in the case of territorial aggression, and thfji only when arbitration had failed, "rtie League would not iuterfer with the United States control of its own armament. The League Constitution that was adopted was that proposed by Britain. The Italian, American, and French plans were rejected. Any nation co'ild withdraw from membership of the League. The action of the executive council of the League must be unanimous. The League's Constitution will be an integral part of tjie Peace Treaty. The League will not absolutely prevent war, and cannot interfere with the domestic questions of country, such as immigration. The basis of the League is good-will and good faith of the members, and not the power of compulsion. President Wilson told the Congressmen that Germany would not be permitted to join the League for several years. President Wilson said that under the constitution of the League, in the event of a future conflict, military interventon by the United States would not be mandatory. The impression that the Congressmen gained was that, through its control over the manufacture of munitions of war, the League would play an important part in controlling the size of armaments. They asked President Wilson many questions, which he frankly answered. Opinion in official circles is that the talk the .President had with the Congressmen will have a. decided effect in strengthening the sentiment ot many of the legislators in favour of the League.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. \ STATUS OF IRELAND MUST BE SETTLED BY BRITAIN. (Rec. March 'l, 5.5 p.m.) Washington, February 27. It is understood that President Wilson s .speech at the White House pointed out that the failure of the United States to ratifv the League of Nations. Constitution "would cast the world into a state of chaos. Britain would havo five votes in the' League, but only one vote ,on the Executive Council. Ireland will not be represented as a separate nation. The status of Ireland must be settled by Britain. The League could not interfere. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ■ FUNDAMENTAL "REVISION DEMANDED ■SWftit*.. SENATOR LODGE OPPOSED TO ■ WILSONIAN POLICY. Washington, February 28. Senator Lodge has demanded a fundamental revision' of tho Peace League, hecause in its present form it struck at American sovereignty and contravened the Monroe Doctrine. It would benefit Europe chiefly, he said, to substitute internationalism for nationalism. "Wo must build no bridges across tho chasm that separates. Lincoln's Government from Trotsky's. Government." ,The United States must not be drawn into international Socialism. Each State ought to be allowed to withdraw from the League at Us own"choice. For the United States to undortake to preserve national boundaries everywhere was an enormous and unjustifiable policy. It was likely that the nations would be quarrelling a few months after they bad signed the pact. Senator Lodge's 6peech is regarded as indicating bitter opposition to the AVilsonian policy. Senator Lodge pointed out that the Dinted States was unable to interfere in the Mexican border 8 raids until three months had elapsed, and the Senators laughed. The Vice-President ordered the galleries to be cleared.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. AN ALTERNATIVE PLAN SUBMITTED BY SENATOR KNOX. . (Ree. March 2, 5.5 p.m.)

Washington, March 1. Senator Knox, speaking in the Senate, assailed the League of Nations as overturning the American Constitutional.position. He questioned who would be the beneficiaries of this betrayal of the American people. Senator Knox submitted an alternative plan of a league providing a combination for coinpleto suppression of* war through the agency of an all-powerful International Court.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. REPUBLICAN OTY'S ATTITUDE AMENDMENT OF COVENANT DESIRED. (Rec. March 2, 5.5 p.m.) New York, February 28. The best-informed circles pointed out that Senator Lodge's speech on the League of Nations indicates that the Republicans will accept the League if permitted to amend the covenant. It is indicated that Senator Lodge, who is the official spokesman of the Republican Party, expressed the party's attitude when he said they would accept a League on a plan other than President Wilson's. This is considered to be a gigu/that the Republicans only wish to amend the pre-. sent covenant.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. , DIVERGENT PRESS OPINIONS. New York, February 27. The newspapers editorially advance different opinions on the effect of President Wilson's, explanation of the League of Nations at the White House dinner. There seems to be a division on party lines; The Republican newspapers tend to .minimise the result of the explanation, saying it will not affect the Senatorial opposition. "The Democratic newspapers, however, say that American people are behind President Wilson, and will force the Senate to ratify the League in spite of the opposition of individual members.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. AMENDJIENTOKONSTITUTION DESIRED BY FRANCE AND JAPAN. (Rec. March 3, 0.30 a.m.) Paris, March 1. Both France and Japan are eager to have the League of Nations' constitution amended when President Wilson arrives in Paris. Japan will demand that the immigration clauses be changed, and Franco will demand an international army to safeguard France against Germany, and strengthen the League.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. LEAGUE ACCLAIMED BY ITALY Washington, February 28. Signor Orlando has cabled to President Wilson that the whole of the Italian people enthusiastically acclaim the League of Nations project.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.