LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15954, 24 October 1919, Page 5

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

AN INTERESTING POINT.

RAISED BY AMERICA’S DELAY.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, Received October 24, 9.30 a.m. LONDON, October 22.

It is improbable that the League of Nations will meet in Washington before January, and more likely it will be February. Alter first meeting it will probably be suggested that annual meetings he subsequently held in the European capitals in rotation.

In view of the delay in the ratification of the Treaty by America, an interesting point arises as to whether Germany could refuse to abide by, the League’s decision if any signatories to the Peace Treaty declined to participate in the League. An eminent Dutch jurist has furnished the opinion that Germany, by signing and ratifying the Treaty waived the right to object to the League even if any other nation does not ratify. Legal opinion is that it is impossible to maintain that the League will only come into force by the adhesion of all the signatories. There are many other reasons why incomplete Council meetings may he held, but Germany would have to recognise the decisions even of an incomplete Council. She might have had grounds for objection if the League’s covenant had been an agreement apart from the Peace Treaty.