LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Taranaki Daily News, 14 February 1919, Page 5

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

ARTICLES. r. ■ ' ! -COUKT-'OF INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE. Received Feb. 13, 7.50 p.m. Paris, Feb. 11. Fuller details of the arbitration articles of the League of Nations are now available, but it is not certain whether the iinal draft will absolutely pb'dge all the members of the league to ■ 6 o to war against a nation refusing to accept the arbitration system. The articles state that when parties agree that disputes cannot be adjusted by ordinary diplomacy, they must in no case resort to armed force without previously submitting the questions and matters involved either to arbitration or for inquiry by the executive council, and not until three months after the arbitrators' award or the council's recommendation has been promulgated. They further agree that they Svill not even then resort to armed force as against a member of the league which complies with the award or recommendation. They can enter into war only when an outside State or member of the league refuses to comply with the award. The parties further agree that when a dispute or difficulty arises between them which they recognise as suitable for arbitration and cannot satisfactorily be settled by diplomacy, they will submit the whole question to arbitration, and are pledged to carry out, in full good faith, the award or decision. For this purpose the court shall be such a court as may be agreed upon by the parties, or stipulated in any convention existing between them. The executive will, when directed, formulate plans for establishing a permanent court of international justice, which will be regarded as competent to hear and determine matters which the parties consider suitable. The articles in all number about \ twenty. The questions of abrogation of existing treaties, the registration of treaties, and open diplomacy are clearly defined. . When the text is issued it will be seen .that some of the most ambitious aspects ;of "Wilsonian philosophy have been abandoned. For instance, no vast international police force is proposed, but on the two main points—of establishing a great working international organisation, and compulsory reference of disputes to arbitration, With a time limit—the scheme is firm and substantial.—United Service. AN INTERNATIONAL ARMY. Received Feb. 13, 11.45 p.m. Paris, Feb 11. It is understood that the Anglo-Ameri-can representatives have adopted the French views of the necessity for an international army.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc.