LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Taranaki Daily News, 21 August 1919, Page 5

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

PRESIDENT WILSON ADDRESSES THE SENATE. By Telegraph—Press As3n Copyr'ght. Washington, Aug. 19. President Wilson admitted at the conference with tho Senate Committee that the United States might accept the League of Nations with any interpretation thought necessary, providing these interpretations were not incorporated in the treatv.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc.

Received Aug. 20, 8.40 p.m. New York, Aug. 19.

President Wilson continued that the United States can interpret the treaty in any way it -thought fit not inconsistent with its general tenor. The United States had complete freedom of choice. As to the application of force applying to article 10, the obligation to go to the assistance of a country whose territorial integrity was threatened was purely a moral obligation, not legal. The plan of the League of Nations ultimately adopted was that drafted by General Smuts. Minor modifications were added. President Wilson's own drafts were not pressed. The League of Nations would prevent Japan assuming sovereignty over Shantung, if Japan attempted it.

President Wilson stated that he entirely disagreed with the opinion that Mr. Lansing gave the Senate Committee to the effect that Japan would have signed the peace treaty irrespective of whether it contained the Shantung provision. The United States did not participate in, the German indemnity because of the moral advantage nonparticipation gave. The country's claims such as that of the Lusitania, however, stood. President Wilson, in the interests of the nation and good feeling, refused to answer as to how the American delegates voted on Japanese racial equality, The amendment to the Shantung provision was inserted in view of Britain and France's engagements toward Japan, It was the best that could be done in the-circumstanccs.—-Aus. N.Z. Cable Association. LOSSES THROUGH NOT SIGNING. Received Aug 20, 2.45 p.m. Washington, Aug. 10. President Wilson, addressing the Senate, emphasised'the enormous trade nil-' vantages accruing to 'Britain and France becnuso of the early adoption of the peace treaty. The United States would lose trade unless the Senate acted. President Wilson was unable to understand whv Congress entertained any doubts about the treaty.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Association.