COURT OF NATIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 50, 28 February 1923, Page 5

COURT OF NATIONS.

UNITED STATES OPINION.

UNCERTAINTY IN SENATE. CLEARER DEFINITION ASKED. (By Cable.—rress Association. —Copyright.) (Received 9.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, February 27. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has instructed its chairman to obtain from the Administration a clear definition of the following points in President Harding's proposal to join the World Court: (1) Whether the Court is to be a Court in fact, or merely an arbitration tribunal: (2) what reservation is made by other nations ratifying the protocol; (3) whether American adhesion would involve the United States under the Labour clauses of the Versailles Treaty.

Mr. W. H. King introduced a motion in the Senate providing for ratification of the protocol of the Permanent Court of International Justice, with the four reservations submitted by Mr. C. E. Hughes in his letter to the President. The Washington correspondent of the New York "Times" has been canvassing senators in an attempt to determine their attitude toward the suggestion that the United States join the Court. He says that Democrats generally support Mr. Harding's proposal. Among Republicans some condemn it, others give it cautious endorsement, and the remainder declare that they would prefer to defer comment. More than ever, despite Mr. King's motion, it becomes clear that there is not the slightest chance that the Senate will take action regarding the proposal in the present session. Opposition, intermixed with uncertainty, is too marked to permit a vote before next Sunday, when Congress will adjourn. Democrats all take a little fling at Mr. Harding, who, they say, is adopting the child League of Nations. Republican leaders seem at soa as to what course to pursue. Their concern is whether it is wise at the present moment to ta__ any position whatever on the subject, as they know that most of the opposition will come from the Republican ranks. There is a feeling, however, that the sanction of the Senate would be obtained if the measure could be brought to a vote. — (A. and N.Z.)

ACTION TO BE POSTPONED.

(Received 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, February 27. The Foreign Relations Committee has virtually decided to postpone action on President Harding's proposal until next session. No vote was taken, but Senators representing all views declared the consensus of opinion was that the matter could not be brought up in the Senate in the few days remaining.—(A. and N.Z.)

LEAD FROM PEOPLE. CALL TO COME IN. NEW YOR_, February 27. The Supreme Court has approved a certificate of incorporation for a Carnegie endowment in Europe for the purpose of an organised attempt to prevent all war, establish a better understanding among nations, and generally make the world a better place to live in. Mr. Elihu Root heads a list of prominent directors. — (A. and N.Z. Cable.) WASHINGTON, February 27. The Federal Council of Churches, representing practically every denomination in America, has called on the Government to take the initiative in calling an International Conference to consider the economic political situation in Europe, including reparations, debts and armaments, in the hope of prevailing on Europe to sign a treaty similar to those negotiated at Washington. The Alms Conference Council urges the Government to renounce a policy of American aloofness in interantional affairs and assume their full share of responsibility.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.)