THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16479, 24 March 1919, Page 7

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

COVENANT AND TREATY

(By Cable.—Press Association. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON", March 19.

Lord Robert Co--il, addressing Press representatives at Paris, said the question exciting the greatest interest was whethei tlio Covenant of the League of Nations should be included in the preliminary peaco. He believed that the Peace IVoaty was intended to settle the broad principles of the world's peace. Ho therefore thought it was essential that the Covenant should have a place in it. He doubted whethor it was possible to proceed successfully with peace unless it was known what the League was to be. For instance, the German colonies could not be loft in the air. The clause dealing with the mandatories was settled by the Council of Ten and confirmed by the League Commission, therefore they could not doal with the colonies until the League was part of the machinery.

It is understood that the preliminary Peace Treaty does not include anj reference to the League of Nations. Tho British attitude favours outlining a preliminary agreement so as to restore peace between the belligeronts. Afterwards a detailed settlement can be considered, and tho League of Nations loft for inclusion in the final treaty. AN AMERICAN VIEW. NEW YORK, March 16. The Washington correspondent of the "New York World" states that official circles believe that the League of Nations Covenant will not be included in the preliminary peace with Germany. President Wilson's message to his secrotary, Mr Tumulty, that the Plenary Council had docided that the Covenant would be a part of the Peace Treaty, is understood to mean that the Covenant will only be included in the final treaty. (Received March 23rd, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, March 18.

Tho Paris correspondent of the "Now York Times" learns from a reliable source that the Covenant of tho League of Nations will probably not be an integral part of the preliminary Treaty of Peace, but will be attached to it as an appendix. He indicates that the preliminary Treaty and the Covenant of the League will be ready for approval by tho entire Peace Conference by March 29th, and will be submitted to Germany afterwards. RACE DISCRIMINATION. JAPANESE OPINION. NEW YORK. March 19. Viscount Ishii (Japanese Minister in America), in a speech before the Japan, eso Society, said the constitution of the League of Nations would be worthy of a great world conference if it admitted a provision remedying the conspicuous iniustico arising out of race prejudice. He expressed the opinion that nothing would contribute more towards attaining a permanent world peace than tho inclusion of such a provision. In order to prevent misunderstanding on tho question of racial distinction, it should be considered independently of tlio question of labour or immigration. Japan would calmly, patiently, and wi6oiy await the time when, by a gradual process of evolntion, the difficulty in the matter of Japanese immigration would be sottled to the mutual satisfaction of tho United States and Japan. In thp moantime Japan would continue her policy of strict, selfimposed restrictions of labour emigrants. Nothing was further from Japan's thought than to hastily force an issue, even if an article against racial discrimination wore inserted in the Leaguo of Nations Covenant.

The Washington correspondent of the "New York Times" states that great intorest is shown in Viscount Ishii's plea for the incorporation of a provision against race discrimination in the Leaguo of Nations Covenant. Senator G. E. Chamberlain said that the inclusion of Viscount Ishii's plan would imperil the chances of the success of any League of Nations, and would endanger the safety of the United States.

Senator King declared that Japan's insistence on the equality of her citizens, which implies equality in immigration into othor countries, means either that the United States or Japan will not be a signatory to the League compact. 1

that the United States or Japan will not be a signatory to the League compact. 1 Senators Reed and Borah and others have declared against the League of Nations organisation recently formed in Amorica. The organisation will send couriers to Franco for the purpose of circumvonting the Amorican and French | censorship and keep the American people correctly informed of events.at the Peace Congress. They will also communicate to the 'French Press and people the real American sentiment towards the Peace Treaty and the Leaguo of Nations. t OFFICIAL COMMENT. (Received March 23rd, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, March 18. There is much comment in official circles regarding Japan's attitude. Important quarters believe that Japan will not rcfuso to join the League even if provision for racial freedom is omitted from the Covenant. AMENDMENTS DESIRED. BUENOS AIRES, March 16. ' The Foreign Ministor conferred with the Ministers of neutral countries, and subsequently stated that Argentina would accept tho League of Nations in, principle, but would suggest some changes in the present Covenant. * DOMINIONS AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS. (Received March 23rd, 5.5 p.m.) ' PARIS, March 22. Sir Robert Bordon has submitted a memorandum to the British delcgato, to to sent on to the Peace Confaronce, emphasising that the overseas Dominions do not feol it incumbent upon them as partners 'in tho League of Nations to take the responsibility of intervening and helping to decide differences between European nations whore the British Empire is not directly involved. Sir Robert Borden has not consultod Australia, but it is understood tho United States supports him. Mr: Hughes points out that the fact thai»' Australia has not acted so far does not mean that Australia differs from the : Canadian attitude. It is understood : Sir Robert Borden's amendment is in-1 tended to apply to Monroeism.