LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 159, 31 March 1919, Page 7

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

REVISION OF COVENANT COMPLETED JAPANESE' AMENDMENT RESERVED THE MONROE DOCTRINE SAFEGUARDED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. March 30, 5.5 p.m.) ■ Paris, March 27. The League Commission has completed the revision of the Covenant. The Japanese did not press their equality amendment at the present stage, but reserved the right to bring the matter up before the full commission. An amendment was inserted safeguarding the Monroe Doctrine. Tho fact that the German colonies are coming under mandatories must be included in the Peace Treaty, and this necessitates the introduction of 6ome aspects of the League! of Nations into that document. ( • Japan's action in leaving in abeyance her amendment to the League of Nations is doubtless due to inability to secure British support. The' Japanese delegates, left no stone unturned to secure.sympathetic interest in the proposal. They believed that President Wilson would not bo disinclined to accept recognition, while the British delegation was sympathetically disposed. There was a suggestion that the latter should, after hearing the Japanese views, consider the matter, but Hughes demurred, preferring to tell them frankly to their faces that under no circumstances could he 1m a party to granting their demand at this conference. The Japanese then decided to take paother opportunity of pressing their claim, either before tho League Drafting Committee or when the Covenant comes before a plenary sitting of the Conference. -Aus.-N.Z. Cable A6sn. EFFORTS TO OBTAIN REDRAFTING UNAVAILING. (Rec. March 30,, 5.5 p.m.) New York, March 29. A Paris dispatoh states that efforts to obtain a redrafting of certain' provisions in the League of Nations Covenant, an compliance with the wishes of friendly critics, proved unavailing. It was asserted that every effort at redrafting emphasised the fact that changcs could not. be made-without offending the susceptibilities of some nation. It was pointed out in high circles that the effort to provide special recognition of the Monroe Doctrine would prooably lead to Japan proposing that .her, special rights in China should be 'recognised— Aus.-N.4-Cable Assn.

RACE DISCRIMINATION . . CANNOT BE DISPOSED OF IN • THE COVENANT. ■ (Rec. March 30, 11.50 p.m.) New York, March 29. The New York "Herald's" Paris correspondent interviewed Lord _ Robert Cecil, who expressed 'the opinion that questions of race discrimination could not bo disposed of in tho League of Nations Covenant. Any attempt -to decide these matters in the Covenant would be considered a violation of the clause prohibiting interference in the internal affairs of members of the League.—Aus.NiZ. Cable Assn. THE DESIRESOF JAPAN STATEMENT BY VISCOUNT ISHII. (Rec. March 30, 11.50 ; p.m. ) Now York, March 28, . Mr. David (the "Evening Post" Washington correspondent, interviewed Viscount Osliii, who said: "I am sorry some American Senators misunderstood my'.'New York speech:' I 'had no particular, instructions from my Government to make this speech, ibut the subjoot was vary close to tho hearts of . tho Japanese people. 'We must go to the source of all Motion between the peoples in order to establish a League of Nations will piTvent \Var. What Japan seeks is .largely sontimental. •. I said nothing in the speech which would give a basis for believing that Japan .intended to have the United States open her gates to unrestricted Japanese immigration. The quarrel between American and Japanese soldiers at Tientsin was meroly a local brawl, likely to occur wherever large bodies of soldiers congregate. The Korean uprising iras merely tho work of \ynung Korean students. The Japanese administration in Korea has been excel-lent."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aran. .. . .

rViscount Ishii, in a speech at the Japan Society of Now York, 6aid that tlio constitution' of tlio 'League of Nations would be unworthy of a great world confcrcnco if it omitted a 'provision remedying the conspicuous injustice out of race prejudice. He was ol" opinion (hat nothing would contribute more towards attaining a permanent world peaco than the inclusion of such <v provision. He said that in-order to prevent misunderstanding a. question of such a description as this should be considered independently of (ho (Juestion of labour or immigration. "Japan," he said, "will ' calmly, patiently, and wisely await the ,time.when byn gradual process of evolution the difficulty, in the m!rtter"of Japanese immigration will be settled fo the mutual satisfaction of the United Stales and Japan. In the meantime Japan will continue the policy of strict, self-imposed restriction of labour emigration. Nothing will bo further from Japan's thought than to hastily force the issue of labour, even if the article against, racial' discrimination should "be .inserted in the League of Rations.""! ' ,

NATIONS' WITHDRAWAL PROVIDED FOR WOMEN MAY BECOME-DELEGATES. (Rec. March 30, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, March 28. The : revised Covenant provides " that nations may withdraw on two years' notice. . No nation is comjiellod to accept a mandatory. 'fhe right is conferred on women to become delegates. Such matters as traffic in arms and'munitons will, be placed on separate lists, so that the various States may ratify the; Covenant' without being compelled to accept any particular.—Aus.-N.ii. Cable Assn. THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ' LABOUR TO BE-REPRESENTED. . Paris, -March 28. . It is understood 'that the membership of the Executive Council-, of. the' League, of Nations will be increased from two to three, the.'additional members to represent the .Labour. Party of ; .the' nation coiicern'ed.--A\is.-N.Z. 'Cable-Assn. - THELEAGUECAPiTAL ' GENEVA LIKELY,TO' BE SELECTED. (Rec, March, 50, 11.30 p.m.) Paris, ■ March 29.. , It is likely that Geneva will be selected as the capital of the League of Na-tions—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-; CONFERENCE - ™ NEUTRALS NO INTERFERENCE IN INTERNAL ' AFFAIRS. Paris, March 28. Mr. Fraser states: -"Thirteen neutrals conferred with the League's sub-commit-tee anil offered suggestions and amend: incuts to meet their views. The neutrals displayed a frieiuliy 'interest in tho proceedings without giving pledges. The .impression derived is that many, if not all, will join the League.' A provision was inserted clearly protecting their sovereign powers.. It also made clcar the decisions of the.executive and the delegates that, except where otherwise provided, care should bo taken that a small State should liavo equal power with a large one in dealing with subjects affecting its interests. There is also an express reservation' that the League must not interfere with the internal affairs, of any country. The executive, was given power to enlarge its numbers, provided ' the ratio between tho large, and small states is maintained, but only after the" dele-.

gates to the council have given their approval. My authority states that a definite pledge was given that the Covenant will lie discussed at a plenary session. The Japanese will then press their claim for equality. Ho admitted that although the League provided for non-interference in the internal affairs of a country there hot! heen occasions when an internal matter had developed into an international one. The League might be called on to settle such an affair. It was therefore somewhat difficult to clearly say what was purely an internal affair. Even the question of immigration might assume international importance."—AusN:Z. Cable Assn. REASON AND JUSTICE GOVERNING PRINCIPLES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. (Rec. March 30, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 28. Mr. Lloyd George, in a message published in the "Manchester Guardian," 6tatea that the League of Nations represents the greatest attempt over made to substitute reason and justice for force and intrigue as the governing principle of international relations. This principle being accepted, the nations must be inspired with a real determination to v/ork in close harmony for the better- 1 ment and liberty of mankind. The League must be made an effective instrument for the solution of every international problem. America and Britain, who had taken such a leading and honourable paTt in promoting this beneficent soheme,. must give, a practical demonstration of their belief in it. Disarmament is an essential condition of success.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

DISPOSITION OF GERMAN NAVY AMERICA IN FAVOUR OF IT BEING ' "SUNK. ' (Rec. March 30, 11.60 p.m.) New York, March 28. ■ A New York "Times" Paris message reports that an American memorandum regarding the disposition of the German Navy will be presented to the Peace Congress and will probably be adopted. The ■ Americana / taoitly favour the sinking of the German ships.' They declare an increase of naval strength in European waters to be unnecessary, because the Germaji naval menace has been removed. also oppose the distribution of the captured navy, pointing out that if the distribution is based on.,the naval losses, tho largest share would bo given to Britain, which would necessitate greatly increasing the United States naval outlay to enable the. United states, to maintain a navy' equalling Britain's. The Americans contend -that it is essential that the United! States should have a navy equal to .Britain's, because the League of Nations must be strong enough, -if necessary, to restrain its strongest member. The American view'iß that any reduction in United States naval strength would weaken the United States;' influence in worldaffairs, and limit her-ability to render, sei-vice to the League of Nations. , It is also assented that submarines of all nations must be destroyed. The memorandum adds: "High' British officers have justified Germany's U-boat warfare on the grounds of'military necessity."—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn,

NO DECISION REACHED YET. (Rec. March 30, 11.50 p.m.) :. . ; .- Paris, March 29. Admiral W'emyss, Admiral Benson, and Mr. J. conferred regarding tho dißpositibn of the German warships.- No decision was reaohed.—Aus.-N.Z. Caible Assn.. HIELCANAL TO BE INTERNATIONALISED. - (Reo. March 31, 0.30 a.m.) _ ' Copenhagen, March 29. .Tho British Ambassador announces that it 'has been decided to internationalise the Kiel Canal. Troops ivill occupy both sides—Aue.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE DISARMAMENT QUESTION TO BE RECONSIDERED EVERY - DECADE. (Rec. March 30, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 29. The most notable amendments to tho Leaguo Covenant include reconsideration of disarmament every decade, with a view to progressive disarmament becoming worldwide.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable As-sn,

IMMIGRATION OF JAPANESE REGULATED, BY HERSELF. 1 Washington, March 28. Reports from Japan state that the Vice-Miniater ofi Foreign Affairs stated in the House of Peers that a gentlemen's agreement with the United States, regulating the admission of Japanese, did not. exist. Japan herself regulated the immigration into the United States by t>i'cventing emigrants leaving Japan. }Io hoped that the timo was coming wlicn Americans would be convinced that the Japanese were not a danger to American institutions. Then 'Japan would lift its own embargo—Aus.-N.Z.. Cablo Assn. SOUTH AFRICAN OPINION ON ASIATIC IMMIGRATION. Capa Town, March 27. . 'A' message from Pretoria states, in connection with tho Japanese attitude :e----garding the League'of Nations, that the Transvaal, view, especially among, tho Dutch, is that South Africa should set •its face : against Asiatic immigration.— Aus.-N.'Z/Cable Assn. THE REPARATION QUESTION \ "BIG FOUR" APPROACHING :.. - AGREEMENT. (Reo. Maroh 30, 5.5 p.m.) Paris,. March's 4. Air. Keith Murdoch writes: "Tlie 'Big Four' are getting, to close agreement on tho reparation question. Experts refer respectively to the figures as twenty-five milliards of francs immediately and six or eight milliards annually for at least, thirty years hence. It is underetopd that Australia's amended claim presented, last week, approximates ,£350,000,000." ' Referring to the • discussions of the Japanese-claims Mr. Murdoch states that General Smuts pointed out that his proposed amendment was very moderate, but Mr. Hughes and Mr. Massey took the point that a diplomatic empty phrase should not be inserted in tho Covenant, and the question should now.bo definitely decided. Moreover, though tho Japanese Representatives assured the Dominions' representatives that Japan did nut intend to go further, the Dominion representatives pointed out that some new Government in Japan would be able, under the amendment, to bring ■up all racial questions -at the League or Nations.—United Service.

... THE SIGNINGOF PEACE , . ' EXPECTED ON APRIL 20. Paris, March 28. It is expected that peaco will bo signed on April 20.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable' Assn. CONVENTION DEAT.TNG WITH THE TREATY. (Rec. March 30, 5.5 p.m.)' Paris, Maroli 28. A convention of the foreign Ministers of tho four Great Powers is now sitting to deal witli subsidiary matters /connected with the Peace Treaty—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. the mm POSSIBLE SUSPENSION REPORTED. (Rcc. March 30, 5.5 p.m.) Berlin, Maroli 20. The "Lokal Anzeiger" reports that tho suspension of the armistice with tho Allies is possibleAus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. : THE PmiiEMNFERENCE AMERICANS DISSATISFIED WITH THE WORK DONE. (Rec. Mardli 30, 11.50 p.m.) ' Paris, March 2D. The Amorican delegates are dissatisfied with the continual abandonment: of tlie positions on the question, of reparation ! ■find other problems before the Premiers' .Conference. Thoy allege that little pro-1

gress was made during: the entire weok.— Aua.-N'.Z, Cable Assn. THE~BLOCKADE RELIEF FOR, GERMAN AUSTRIA DECIDED UPON. Paris, March 28. The Allied Foreign Ministers have decided to release the blockade of German Austria as soon as leaks to Germany aro precluded.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FRANCE ANFTHE RHINE DEMANDS NOT SUPPORTED BY AMERICA. (Rec. March 30, 5.5 p.m.) < New York, March 29. A report is current that President Wilson, on his return to Paris, assured M. Clemenceau that America would rot support the full French demands in reference to the west bank of the Rhine, and would not support France's opposition to amalgamation of German Austria with Gormany. whereupon, according to the report, M. Clemenceau offered his resignation oil March 17—Aus.-N.Z.' Cable Assn. NEUTRALS ANDTHE ALLIES TO DISCUSS QUESTIONS OF FINANCE. (Rec. March 30, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, March 27. The Supreme Economic Council has invited neutrals adjoining Germany to send _ delegates to discuss transitional questions of finance between them and the Allies. The invitation has been ac- | cepted.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. germanvsTublic debt 'APPORTIONMENT CONSIDERED. (Eec. March 30, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, Maroh 28. The Finance Committee of the Conference, under Mr. E. S. Montagu's presidency, .is considering the apportionment of .the German public debt, also the question of 'Government' State property in the States ceded under the Peace Treaty.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assnl OUTLETSIOIT BOHEMIA HAMBURG' AND STETTIN RECOMMENDED. ■ (Rec. March 30, 5.5 p.m.) ' • Paris, March 29. The Waterways Commission recom- • mends Hamburg and Stettin as' outlets fo" Bohemia, to allow Bohemia to develop a mercantile marine—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . MOROCCAN. AND SCHLESWIG QUESTIONS <Rec. March 30, 5.5 p.m.)' Paris,' March 28/ • The Council.of Foreign Ministers, has named a committee to inquire into the Moroccan question and the frontier of Schleswig.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aesn. THE ALGECIRAS TREATY (Rec. March 30, 5.5 p.m. ) Paris, March 28. The Peace Conference has appointed a committee to deal with -the revision of the Algeoiras Treaty.—Aus-N.Z. Cable Assn.