LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 110, 3 February 1920, Page 7

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

THE ATTITUDE OF AMERICA BRITISH DOMINIONS ARE FREE COMMUNITIES (By Telegr 4 -,ph-Press Association--Copi , H™ht London, January 31. ■ Viscount Grey, in his Idler dealing with international, relations, says I hat America's'attitude on the I'eace Treaty is attributable to several reasons which do not apply to Europe. They include, first, a real, conservatism concerning foreign entanglements; afcd second, a desire to limit . tho President's constitutional power to commit the country .without consulting Congress. Dealing with the Dominions' vote, ho says tho reservation concerning tho British votes must create some difficulty. Tho Domoinions will admit, and Britain can admit, no qualification whatever of that right. Whatever positions the Dominions hold in theory, by the letter of the constitution thev me free communities, , independent as regards 111 their own affairs, and partners in Imperial _ affairs. ' It is a 6pccial status from which no derogation is possible. There is a very general admission that the votes of the Dominions will 1)0 mostly found on America's side, where,! they are not parties to the dispute. lt| must not be supposed' that America grudges 'the Dominions their votes, but it is easy to understand 1 the feeling of American audiences whoa they are told that the British wield six votes, while America has only one. He was not conoerned to discuss the inequality. In practico.it would not be important, but sentimentally and politically it was a very powerful factor and cannot bo ignored. Tho American reservations, so far as is at present known, do not challenge in (|ny way tho right of the Doirinions'to exercise their votes, nor do they say that America will necessarily reject a decision in which the votes.are cast. ' -Thereforo it is possible that in practicc a dispute will never arise — "Tho Times."

AN IMPORTANT FACTOR

AMERICAN OPINION ON'LETTER. (Rei. February 2, 8.15 p.m.) ' New York, '"February 1. The Washington .correspondent of. the "New York Times" states that a profound'impression has been created by 'Viscount Grey's letter in the London "Times," in. which he gives his impression of American, sentiment concerning the League' of Nations. There is tlio strongest belief hero that before publishing' tlio letter it was submitted to the British Foreign Office. Members of tlio. Cabinet,and Republican Senators assert that the letter confirms their convictions tlmt England ami France will bo willing to ncccpt the United States* entrance into the League of Nations with Senator Lodge's reservations. Tliq Democrats, although generally reticent, are inclined to .believe that- the letter will _bo come ail'important factor in breaking tho present Treaty deadlock in tho Senate. ■ It is pointed out that tjio lottcr opens the way for President Wilson teaching a compromise with tho Republicans.—Aus.:N.Z. Cablo Assn. • • • FURTHER ACTION BY SENATOR LODGE. (Rec. February 3, 0.45 a.m.) - ,' New York, February 1. The New York "Tim'es's" correspondent at 'Washington states that it is understood that Senator Lodgo will ask tlio unanimous consent of the Senate to bring np the Treaty, and, if necessary, will ask for the suspension of the rul.es in order to bring tliis about. A tuothirds majority of tlio Senate is, necessary to effect a suspension of tho rules. —Aus.-N.Z, Cable Assn.