The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1920. THE LEAGUE.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 November 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1920. THE LEAGUE.

The forthcoming meeting of the League of Nations at Geneva may lead to important developments. So long as the result of the United States elections was in doubt, America's attitude with regard to the League was uncertain. The sweeping defeat ot' the .Democrats, and President Wilson, would seem to indicate that the large majority of Americans have passed a vote of no-coniidence in the author of the League, and that the United States will only join in the Covenant on her own terms, if at all. Another matter of prime importance that is exercising the minds of the delegates to the League is whether Germany shall be invited to participate in the Conference. It is quite conceivable that strong opinions may be expressed on this matter. Probably it may be forcefully urged by some of the delegates that until Germany has carried out, faithfully and completely, the terms of the Peace Treaty, she should remain outside the League. At the preliminary conference of British Empire delegates, hold at the House of Commons, Mr. Lloyd George is reported to have conveyed the impression that German}' was doing her best to comply with the Treaty. Judging bv results, however, it would seem that Germany, as usual, is making very plausible statements of her intentions, and though she lias taken steps to fulfill some of her obligations, there is very little, if anything, to show that any sacrifices are being made; rather is it apparent that she will postpone ms long as possible any duty that involves inconvenience or the payment of hard cash. There is no question that Germany is placing her own interests before the welfare of those whom she did her utmost to ruin. France, with the bitter memory of what she was made to sutler when defeated by Prussia in 1871, also during the late war. has naturally no sympathy with her ruthless enemy, and could not be expected to countenance the admission of Germany to the League until after clear evidence has been afforded that the lerms imposed 011 Germany are. being so carried out as to prove good faith, some measure of repentance. and. above all, wortki-

ness of trust. Germany beeu 'keenly watching the trend of events in America, and the defeat, of President Wilson may induce the hope that the League ol! Nations may become a mere .scrap of paper. It would seem fitting, therefore, that at the forthcoming meeting of the League the delegates should exhibit a unanimity that will convince Germany that the covenant, is a reality, and that its edicts will he enforced. it would almost appear as if it would be better for the United Stales to exercise a benevolent neutrality as regards the work of the League, than to become a member and thwnrt the action of the League by recording adverse, votes that would prevent 'the decisions from being unanimous, therefore of no effect. The time has arrived when the League should put an end t<» the disputes among the smaller nations, particularly on the question of boundaries, one of the most fruitful sources of trouble and warfare. So far the League has not accomplished much useful work, and this has led to doubts being entertained as to whether it can prove of real service in preserving peace among the nations. After all it is to the Allies that the world must look for help, protection, and mediation. However admirable the main idea of the League may be, it is the backing of I force that must be relied upon as ' a last resource. That, however, is no reason why the League should not do useful and important work, and it provides a very strong argument in favor of all the members taking a keen interest in its humane work, putting aside all petty jealousies, and making the League a real, live factor in promoting concord, and, as far as possible, preventing yeeonrse to warfare. A grand idea is 011 trial, and no effort should be spared in promoting its realisation.