LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Taranaki Daily News, 20 February 1919, Page 5

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

THE DRAFT COVENANT. views of our delegates. Wellington, Feb. 19. Official: Both the New Zealand Ministers attended the third plenary session of the Peace Conference at which the draft covenant of the League of Nations was submitted and expounded as the new charter of world peace and unselfish co-operation. It was a historical occasion of which the outstanding feature was the manner in which the covenanting signatories sought to impart their optimism to the conference, of which many members do not accept the charter as the beginning of a new heaven and a new earth. The draft was not generally discussed; a full discussion is expected later. Mr. Massey, interviewed, said that no exception could be taken to the principles and aims of the League, but opinions must differ as to its practical effect as machinery to end war, since many vital problems connected with the scheme were still unsolved. There was nothing definite, for example, as regards disarmament, the freedom of the seas and finance for the numerous mandatories and the forces required to enforce the League's will on unruly and unscrupulous nations who were not disciplined by their previous ideals. Then the arbitration scheme was nebulous and gave no guarantee of security. He thought the exhaustive consideration of disputes might have some influence on averting war. Sir Joseph Ward said that the proposals as regards disarmament called for careful consideration and scrutiny. No one could challenge the fact that the war would not have been won without the British Navy which 10-day was the world's most potent influence for peace. It had been a giant whose strength had been exercised not for oppression and aggression, but for world peace and freedom. Was this Samson to be shorn o 1 his strength without due regard for thv. results or without careful examination of the substitutes for his strength? It was by far the world's best instrument for peace, and the proposed interference must be keenly examined. Then there was the question of the Central Powers. Were they to become members of the League before they had given proof of their regeneration or had made reparation for their crimes against the world ? Immunity from punishment would not discourage crime, nor would it tend to end aggressive war. the peace of the world depended not alone on the League of Nations, but also upon the conditions which would be imposed upon enemy countries, not only financially but also from the military and naval points of view. The conference must do-its plain duty in these respects as well as make a genuine effort to prevent the recurrence of the horrors that humanity had experienced during the past five years. IDEALISTIC DREAM TRANSFORMED. London, Feb. 16. The comments of French newspapers en the League of Nations indicate that President Wilson, after facing the realities of the European situation, abandoned his plans for an idealistic league and modified his views to harmonise with those of his European colleagues, especially the French. Thereby the idealistic dream Ins been transformed into a league of the five great Powers who conquered Germany and are determined to consolidate victory into peace.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. MR. TAFT'S VIEWS. New York, Feb. 18. Mr. Taft declares that the League of Nations covenant appears to be an effective document, though there are many things to be worked out later.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. THE TIMES' COMMENTS. London, Feb. 18. The Times, In a leader, says it is a source of pride to Englishmen that the article expounding the mandatory system of Government might be taken as an exposition of the principles animating the relations between Britain, India, and the other Dominions. That the' Dominions should be recognised as nations before the worid is a fact of tremendous significance. s [ 'The League of Nations is the culI mination of the same enlightened patriotism. The covenant is the most important international document ever | published, and if worked out in the spirit of its founders will exercise i ! permanent influence for good on the hu- i ;nan race."—Times. j ITALIANS ENTHUSIASTIC. Rome, Feb. IG. The newspapers comment enthusiastically on the League .of Nations covenant. A general amnesty Ims been proclaimed for all military and political crimes Aus. N.Z. Cable Arsoc. AMERICAN .LEGISLATORS' ATTITUDE. Received Feb. 10, 10.40 p.m. New York. Feb. R The Times' Washington cmnMponlen! states that Republican «en>itnrs and representatives are generally reluctant t" discuss the constitution of'the League of Nations pending n party decision regarding the"attitude towards ;iie league. ' There are indications that (lie rafifiea I tion of the constitution of the league will be bitterly opposed. The Rcpuhii- ' can leaders are eagerly awaiting Mr. I Taft's views. There, is a fear expressed that President Wilson may try to force the ratification through Congress before I i his return to France. Democratic lead- I i crs approve of the league. It is likely i that final action relating to the size of [ I the United States' army and navy will be I postponed until final action is taken in | reference to the league. —Aus. N.Z. Cable j Assoc. I