The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1919, PEACE TREATY DELAY.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 November 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1919, PEACE TREATY DELAY.

According to a recent statement by Mr. Cecil Harasworth, UnderSecretary for Foreign Affairs, the Peace Treaty is likely to become effective on November 11, the anniversary of Armistice Day. It is, however, most improbable that the Treaty'and the Covenant of the League of Nations will have been ratified by the United States at the date mentioned, but that will not prevent the Treaty becoming effective, for it has been ratified by three Powers. In view of. the bitter hostility displayed by the United States Republican Senators, especially to the League Covenant, it might be thought there was no chance of the Treaty and Covenant being ratified by America in their present shape. With the United States Senate rests the power to accept or reject the Treaty and the Covenant, and, considering the prominent part taken by President Wilson in framing the League Covenant, a peculiar position will arise if the Senate pursues its present course of delay and obstruction. As far back as July 11 an official German Note was received in Paris announcing the ratification of the Treaty by Germany, and yet the Republican Senators of America are still submitting and discussing hostile resolutions and reservations, and, it would seem, are no | nearer finality than when the Treaty was submitted to them on July 10. Senator Lodge led the attack with a forceful appeal i for reservations, denouncing the Treaty as a "deformed experiment", and as an attempt to sacrifice the interests of the United States . to a dangerous internationalism. Instead of upholding the League as a powerful lever designed to promote the world's peace, he sought to inflame his fellow Senators against the President's great work by insinuating that it would affect American sovereignty, besides raising the parochial cry of "America first, last, and all the time." It is difficult to reconcile such political tactics with the splendid military work of the Americans in assisting to achieve the victory which alone could secure a permanent, peace. If it were right to take part in the War, it was equally necessary to reap the fruits of victory by safeguarding the world against a recurrence of war, and to tliat end is the League Covenant designed. The Republican Senators appear to be devoid of all sense of logical sequence. Their whole concern is to keep clear of international complications and let other people pull the chestnuts out of the fire. Among the reservations proposed by Senator Lodge was that the United States should assume no obligation to undertake any military expedition on land or sea, unless so authorised by Congress. This strikes a direct blow at the mainspring of the League Covenant wherein the signatories are practically banded together with world-wide responsibilities to maintain peace. An element of jealousy crept in with regard to Britain and the Dominions outvoting America, but in the light of a simple statement of the position this grievance evaporated. It has been most unfortunate that President Wilson's health broke down under the stress of his campaign in support of the Treaty, especially in view of his failure to convert the hostile Senators at a special and unprecedented conference held at the White House. The Senate Forign Relations Committee have voted for the proposed reservations, but the successive defeats of the hostile amendments would seem to indicate a better prospect of the ultimate issue in the Senate, and it is to be hoped that a move rational spirit will prevail, for it would be a serious blow to those who spent so much toil over framing the League to be deprived of America's adherence thereto, while the pride of the country would also suffer. What the opposing Senators seem {not to have fully grasped is the fact that every decision of the League must be unanimous—a safeguard that would absolutely secure American policy on any matter for decision.

Meanwhile, until America ratifies the Treaty and Covenant she cannot participate in the Commissions provided for therein, though she can resume relations with Germany. The party spirit shown over this matter affords a strong commentary on American politics. It is to be hoped the Senate will rise to the occasion and support the action of the President.