LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 January 1919, Page 2

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

J AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] PLANS DISCUSSED. LONDON, January 24. Correspondents state that the plans for a .League of Nations are attracting increasing attention. The most popular scheme, it is asserted consists of the appointment of a Council of members of the Government of the great powers tv) meet at short intervals and for all members of the League of meet regularly, but loss frequently to review th ■ constitution. It is stated that the League may be assigned to avert war < and submit disputes to the Council of lull League all agreeing not to fight until a decision has been reached, and if an agreement is impossible the aggrieved states will fight in accordance with rules of war. Disarmament may not yet be included and several oth?r of President Wilson’s proposals must, it is said, be temporarily dropped, including tile Freedom of the Seas, and international economic treatment.

OPEN DISCUSSION.

LONDON, January 2-5.

An open session of the Peace Conference debated the League of Nations.

Air Lloyd George in moving for a Lea • gue, outlined the British scheme. Ho drew a distinction between justifiable and non-jusi ifiable war disputes. Each nation must itself decide who is justi'iable or not.

Tlie Conference adopted the resol itinn in favour fo the formation of the League as an integral part of the Peace Treaty. The motion provides that the League is to he open to every civilised nation which can be relied upon j;o pr) mote its objects at periodical conferences.

It was also decided that a permanent secretary be established.

President "Wilson addressed the Conference in favour of the League of Nations The President earnestly urged its claims “Now,” he said, “is the proper time to act.”