NO MORE REVOLUTIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17039, 12 May 1923, Page 1 (Supplement)

NO MORE REVOLUTIONS.

THE CENTRAL AMERICAN REPUBLICS.

Revolutions have been relegated to the past in Central America, as far as chat is possible through treaty arrangements, as a result of the conference on Central American affairs, which lately came to its conclusion in Washington As we stated recently, says the New York “ Outlook ” o-f March 7, twelve treaties and conventions and. three protocols were signed, but the one of outstanding significance was the general treaty of peace and amity, in w hich the five signatory nations selenmIy declare that first duty in their mutual relations is “ the maintenance of peace.” The name of Central America for more that fifty years past has been the most synonomous with revolution, so frequently have these unfortunate political disturbances been “staged” in one or another of the little republics lying between Mexico and the Panama. As a result the economic •development of their rich natural re sources has been retarded. Now, by treaty they have pledged themselves to use all the means at their command to prevent revolutions. Furthermore, if any Central American Government comes into power “through a coup d’etate of a revolution against a recognised Government.” they will not recognise it “so long as the freelyelected representatives of the people thereof have not constitutionally reorganised the country.” And even in that case, their treaty provides, they will not acknowledge the recognition if the person electei president, vicepresident-, or chief of State has been a leader or one of the leaders in the revolution.

Most of the Central American revolutions have been broken from “ across the border ” in a neighbouring republic, often with the knowledge of the latter, and so it is agreed to check such “revolutionary activities against a recognised Government of any other Central American republic,” Further more these countries agree not to intervene in the internal political affairs of one another, and in case of civil war not to intervene in favour of or against the Government of another republic. In addition they obligate themselves not to enter into tht secret treaties with one another.

, Several of the other treaties signed at Washington this month also look to the maintenance of peace in Central America. One of these limits the size of their armies from a minimum of 3000 in Costa Rica, to a maximum of

•52C0 in Guatemala. In addition machinery was provided for the settle ment through peaceful means of * all controversies which may arise among the five republics. One convention establishes commissions of inquiry which, through investigation of facts, will seek to settle differences which cannot be resolved directly by the countries

in dispute. Through another treaty there is set up an international Central American tribunal, to which shall be submitted all controversies which it is not found possible to solve by 'other means; and the decisions of this Court of Arbitration shall be final and binding. Thus there will have been provided, as soon ns the treaties are ratified by’ the respective Governments, the solid basis for lasting peace in Central America.