LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Taranaki Daily News, 12 February 1919, Page 5

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

TWO CQJJNCILS CREATED. AN INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE. Received Feb. 12, 12.25 a.m. Paris, Feb. 10. The league of nations scheme may be submitted to the plenary conference in a series of resolutions. The discussion will occupy several days, on tho lines of the second reading of a debate, without decision being taken at the present time, and possibly the resolutions will not finally be dealt with until President Wilson and Mr. Lloyd George return. It is believed the commission wifl recommend the creation of two councils—one of delegates, who, in the first instance, will probably consist of ambassadors and ministers of various nations joining the league in whatever city the inaugural session meets; a second council executive, of which the council of great Powers at the peace conference will form j the nucleus, with the addition of representatives of the lesser countries. This council will establish a secretariat, the chief whereof Will be the executive council's secretary. One of the first duties of the league when established will be the formation of an international court of justice. PRINCIPLES OF THE SCHEME. A WORLD PARLIAMENT. Paris, Feb. 8. The League of Nations Commission has decided that the League shall consist of a permanent council resident in some city chosen by the League, probably Brussels, Geneva or The Hague. The League Council will consist of representatives of the five great Powers and four smaller nations, three nations holding the veto. The nations belonging to the League would be permitted to designate their own representatives on th>i Council. President Wilson may be chosen the first chairman. The Council will have power to appoint an Arbitration Court and other international bodies. There will probably be a Parliament to which the nations will send delegates when the world's peace is threatened. The freedom of the seas will not be discus jed in detail by the Peace Congress; it. will be considered by the League of Nations when that body is formed Nations signing the constitution of the League of Nations will reservo the right not to be bound by any clause considered incompatible with their vital national interests. The League will require before a declaration of war that the nation must have f. popular expression on the question o( peace or war. Japan remains a bystandor in the League and Commission Conferences. She has not participated in the discussion affecting Kuropc and the Near East.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. DRAFTING THE CONSTITUTION. Paris, Feb. 10. The League of Nations Drafting Committee further considered the broad outlines of the draft constitution. This is expected to be completed to-day. It will tn o n be considered by the full commission, after which it will be submitted to tne respective Governments.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.