LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11760, 21 February 1919, Page 5

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

i nil. IllJlWI" ~ ; PRENOH view OF COVENANT, United Press Association—By Elec U trio Telaftrapli.—Copnght. United Service. ’ ’ Paris, February 16, * The reception of the covenant is * v e a by caution and hopefulness. Theie is a strong underlying feeling Sbu earnest attempt is vital to Srope- bicius o the strain ot com(:kiOQ in armaments will disrupt P ,vilization. War has so shocked the moral of even the victorious counthat the old style of nnremust prove sui- * but the League is not yet ionted and will have critical hours Sore the covenant is adopted. The morst danger lies in Franco-Ameri-pad differ3CCßS. Franco says You ?" bid us alliances and farmaments, nd offer us only a League as a tna-aotee against the barbarous r prmans—who invaded, devastated L-d robbed us four times in a hunrfrad years—coming yer again. We Gerard the League as inadequate unI” the members, America and Britain, guarantee to maintain nrmies, trained and ready to sail within fourteen days for our protection Britain would probably agree tn this. President Wilson will not. «o thinks the project ccmd not nnss the American Senate. There The matter stands. M. Bourgeois +■ o nelit hard in tbe lasi days of the nnmmission for the inclusion of two clauses —one to establish a perma n o nt military commission under the League to control disarmament and act as a unified command in the event of trouble. The other provided a permanent military and naval orcanifatiou fo- the execution of the covenant'’? < b igations, and for inaio armed measures in caie of urceacy THE FACIAL QUESTION. Paris, February 18. Biron Makino urged the Indus 1 on of the clause, expressing in effect that all countries would be free to all peonies of the world. It was immediately made plain that such a clause was impossible, and the rropossl was withdrawn, temporarily. It is understood the Japanese delegates will bow gracefully to the juevitahla, though references to racial bars will be made during the discussions, amerlbm press opinions.

New York, February 18. The Press points out that the League's constitution is a distinct step'towards lessening the likelihood of future wars. Some papers declare that the economic penalties against any signatory known to be ignoring the covenants by stating hostilities would b-' so severe chat only a nation bliudad by fnry or the spirit of militarism would dare face ib n consequences Thera Is general satisfaction that the constitution provides for freedom of decision for individual nations belonging to the League in the event of armed force being resorted to the purpose of enforcing the League’s mandates. It is pointed out that the interests of the Union of South Africa and Australia iiave been consulted in the provision that South-West Africa and the South Pacific Islands will be entrusted to the care of mandatories in geographical proximity, and the laws of the mandatory state will apply. JOne paper says the does not provide safeguards tor peace, because the signatories reserve thr right of liberty oi action in the nee of force.

Correeooudcnts report that Republican Sa-ators inten I to disregard President Wilson’s appeal not to de bate the League of Nations covenant at present. The United Press Paris correspondent lentus from a high authority that France will abide by the decision whether it favours or disfavours the adoption of the League, MR TAFT’S OPINION. Washington, February 18. Mr Taft, speaking at Philadel phia, said all must (hank God as they read the provisions of tbe League of Nations covenant, which would prevent war. President Wilson shoudl be warmly[oongratulated.