WORLD COURT OF JUSTICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 583, 8 February 1929, Page 9

WORLD COURT OF JUSTICE

AMERICA’S RESERVATION

REMOVING STUMBLING BLOCK (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) (United Service) Reed. 9.5 a.m. WASHINGTON, Thurs. Mr. Elihu Root, ail authority on International Law, will undertake an unofficial diplomatic mission, seeking an understanding among the world powers on America’s reservations regarding the World Court of International Justice. One important reservation wfould deny the right of the Court to render an advisory opinion involving the United States without the previous consejnt of this country to consideration of the case. Some international lawyers believe that the Court is already bound to render no advisory opinion without ths unanimous consent of the Council of the League of Nations. In that case all other nations have the same right with regard to advisory opinions asked for by the United States. It is believed by some that if the reservation regarding advisory opinions is accepted the biggest stumbling block to the adherence of the United States would be removed.

Mr. Elihu Root was Secretary of State in the Cabinet of President Roosevelt from 1901 to 1909. He has been,, a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague since 1910, and was a member of the Commission of International Jurists which, on the invitation of the Council of the League of Nations, reported on the plan of establishing the Permanent Court of International Justice. The court was established in 1921, but America refused to become a member.