THE WORLD COURT

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 58, 6 September 1926, Page 9

THE WORLD COURT

AMERICA'S RESERVATIONS

SIR FRANCIS BELL'S COMMENTS

MENACE TO LEAGUE'S SAFETY.

(United Press Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, 4th September. Sir Francis Bell, at the second day's debate on the Unitod. States reesrvationa in regard to joining the World Court of Justice, dealt clearly and concisely with America'r fifth reservation to the effeer. that tin Court shall not, without the consent of United States, entertain any request for an advisory opinion touching any dispute or question in which the United States has or claims to have an interest, said: "The question is whether tho terms of the reservation grant America exceptional privileges or superiority over the other signatories. Secondly, if this is true, is it wise or safe for the League to grant these exceptional privileges." After dispassionately reviewing the arguments, Sir Francis Bell continued: V Undoubtedly resolution No. 5 does confer superior and exceptiona' privileges not possessed by members of the League, whether on tho Council or not. The power of veto and tho right to exercise it are two different things. Should any member of the Council use the veto to protect its own interests, as the United States could do if it deBired, it would wreck the League, under the suggested unique compromise that the reservations should be accepted with \the reservation that should the American interpretation at any time conflict with the League Council's interpretation, Washington's connection •with the Court should automatically be levered.''