THE PEACE PACT.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19317, 23 May 1928, Page 9

THE PEACE PACT.

—♦ — SATISFACTION IN U.S.A. INVITATION TO DOMINIONS. (UHITBD PBESS ASSOCIATION* —BY KLKCTMO TELEOBAPD— COPrBIQIIT.) (Received May 22nd, 8.25 p.m.) WASHINGTON, May 21. The State Department lias announced: '"ln the British Note Sir Austen Chamberlain informs this Government that his Majesty's Government has been in communication with the Dominions and India and has ascertained, that they are all in cordial agreement on the genoral principle of a multilateral treaty for the renunciation of war. Sir Austen added that he felt confident that the Dominions and the Government of India are prepared to accept the invitation to participate in the conclusion of such a treaty. "The United States received this information with the keenest satisfaction. Telegraphic instruction was today sent to tho American Ministers at Ottawa and Dublin and the American Ambassador at London, to deliver tomorrow Notes inviting the Dominion Governments and the Government of India to become original parties to the multi-lateral treaty for the renunciation of war. "The United States Government has proposed simultaneous publication _ of the text of the invitations next Friday morning." All invitations, it is understood, will be identical, and will contain statements of what has occurred, in accordance with Sir Austen Chamberlain's recommendations. A forecast indicates that the State Department's next step may consist merely of a "re-submittal of the original telegraphed treaty. The Department's hope is that all that will be necessary can be set forth in an additional article, or perhaps in a preamble, confirming the understanding and interpretations reached through diplomatic exchanges which have occurred. It is unknown whether the invitation to other nations to adhere may be sent before any treaty is signed. Mr Kellogg, however, has made it clear that all Governments would be encouraged to adhere to the Pact. Note of Optimism. A further study of the British Note to-day by the State Department confirmed first impressions and led to optimism that was increased by a report in the Paris Press that the French Government will be substantially, if not completely, in accord with Sir Austen Chamberlain's views. There is, however, no diminution in American opposition to Article 4 of the French draft treaty, specifying that the contemplated convention shall not abridge the structure of all existing treaties. The hope expressed here is that the British Note will stand eventually as an unqualified acceptance of the Kellogg draft. Article 10 of Sir Austen Chamberlain's Note, it is now felt, may be found to be only a specific declaration of Britain's intention to defend all its lines of communication, in which case it would amount merely to a definition of self-defence, rather than a reservation. It is pointed out that Mr Kellogg has already declared that the right of self-defence was inherent in any treaty. Officials to-day oppose suggestions that an International Conference might be the best means of adjusting all differences. They felt that an exchange of diplomatic communications constituted in themselves complete definitions of the understanding upon which the Powers are acting. It was admitted, however, that if these same understandings were contained briefly and comprehensively, possibly in a preamble to the treaty, they would, through Senate and Parliamentary ratification, take on a force not contained in their present form.—Australian Press Association.