AMERICA’S MOVE.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1923, Page 3

AMERICA’S MOVE.

TO JOIN COURT OF JUSTICE. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. (Received this day nt 8 a.in.) WASHINGTON, Feb. 24. President Harding asks llie Senate to make reservations in adherence to membership of the Court protocol, namely adherence shall not involve tho legal relation of United States to the League or assumption of the obligations of the League Covenant. United States to be given the right to participate in the election of judges, which is now accorded only to League members. United States to pay a fair share of the Court'- expenses. Ihe Statute Court, adjourned to the prortncol not to be amended without consent of United States. Mr Harding expresses a belief that the League will accept, these reservations. The text of Mr Harding’s message reads:—l fieri 1 iestablished at the Hague a permanent court, of international justice tor the trial and decision of international eases by judicial method, now effective through the ratification by the signatory powers of a special protocol. The Court is organised and functioning. United States is competent to lie a suitor in tho Court through the provision of the Statute creating it. but that relation is insufficient for a. nation long committed to the peaceful settlement of international controversies. Our deliberate public opinion “’-day overwhelmingly favours our lull participation, and attending to the obligations of maintenance and in furtherance of its prestige, I for this reason •mi now asking the consent of the Senate to our adhesion to the protocol. I am attaching to this message a letter from Mr Hughes in which lie presents the history of the establishment of the Court, and takes note ol the objection to our adherence, becau-e the Court s organisation i- under the auspices ol the League of Nations and indicates how witii certain reservations we may fully adhere, participate and remain free from any legal relation to the League or assumption of obligations under the covenant of the League. Hr Harding continued —There is one phase of the matter not. covered by Mi Hughes’s’ letter, with which J chose, frankly to acquaint the Senate. For a. long period, indeed ever since the International Conference on the limitation of armaments, consideration ol plans whcrcunder we might adhere to the protocol lias been under way. We were unwilling to adhere unless wo could participate in the selection of judges. We could not hope to participate with American accord if adherence involved any legal relation to the League. There is good reason to believe these conditions will he acceptable to the signatory powers, though nothing definite can be done until United States tender adherence. With these resolutions I cannot manifestly make this tender, until tho Senate has spoken its approval. I therefore most earnestly urge your favourable advice and consent. I would rejoice if some action could lur taken even during tne short period remaining of the present session. It is not now a problem of international relation, it is wholly n question of accepting an established institution of a high character and making effective all fine things which have been said by us favouring such an agency of advanced civilisation. It would be'well worth while of the Senate to make a. special effort, as is becoming, to record its approval. Such action would add to our consciousness of participation in the fortunate advancement of international relationships, and remind the world anew that we are ready for our proper part m furthering peace, and adding stain »ty to world affairs. Mr Hughes’s reservations were not specifically quoted in Mr Ha nil as « message. They were appended there to as an integral part. Despite Mi Harding’s insistence that adherence to the International Court shall not mean legal relationship of United States to the League, pro League Senators here consider the step is the first recognition of the League and secondly a virtual adherence, accompanied by a verbal denial of such adherence. Tt is pointed out two of the most important phases of the League are Article ten and the Court of Justice and United states wishes to enter the League uith reservations regarding Article ten, at* would be welcome. Adherence to the Court means adherence to half of the actual and powerful instrument available to the League for enforcement of its principles. . •. Mr Harding’s message is coiisldoiet the most ifportant positive announcement of international policy smet calling of tho armafent conference. It Ts pointed out United States would bo represented on both Conn: and Assembly of the League of Nations on a. par with the powers signatory to the Covenant. Mr Hughes speedwa y mentions this in an elaboration ol tin. second suggestion reservation to United States adherence to the piotocol and commended the admirable s\ steni provided for the selection ol judges. ft further remarked that M.r Maiding in asking Senators approval before United States enters into any definite arrangement with the powers signatory to tho League Covenant shows be lias been impressed by the experiences o Mr Wilson who negotiated first anu asked for tho Senate approval Mleewards. Mr Hughes’s letter points out Elihu Root, an American, dratted tl. plan of the Court at the lnstanci the League of Nations and Join; B.m sett Moore, another American is o e ~r the judges, although nominated by Belgium'. 1 It seems doubtful that ho Senate in the rush of the closing da s of the present session, ending on uh March, will have an opportunity to c ive the sanction which Mi Hard' desires. Senators declare the matte, required enrolnl eoiisideiaUon.