The Peace Treaty

Woodville Examiner, Volume XXXVI, Issue 5516, 24 October 1919, Page 2

The Peace Treaty

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American Reservations United Press—Uy Telegraph— Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association Washington, Oct 22 The Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee voted for the American reservations to the Peace Treaty. These will reauirg the assent of the other Powers. The Senate’s Foreign Ktlations Committee has further adopted reservations dealing with the Congressional approval of mandatories accepted by the United States, Shantung, and Congressional approval of the Reparations Commission’s decisions concerning German and American trade. Congressional approval of the United States’ contributions to expenses of the League. Ths United States reserves the right to increase her armament wneu threatened by invasion or engaged in war, and reserves the right nut to boycott, which is provided in Article XVI. In view of the delay in the ratification of the Tieaty by America, an interesting point arises whether Germany could refuse to abide by tho League’s decision, if any signatories to the Peace Treaty declined*, to participate in tire League. An eminent Dutch jurist has furnished an opinion si at Germany by signing and ratifying the Treaty has waived the right to object to the League even if any other natipn does not ratify it. Legal opinion is that it is impossible to maintain that the League will only come into force Uy the adhesion of all the signatories. There are many reasons why incomplete council meetings may be held, but Germany would have to recognise decision even if by an incomplete . council. She might have had grounds for objection if the League’s covenant bad been an agreement apart from the Peace Treaty. Mr Strauss, former Ambassador to Turkey, iu a speech said if we send the Treaty back -with amendments or drastic reservations it would compel Britain, in order to agree with them, to exclude from the League assembly dominions such as Australia and Canada, whose valiant armies contributed materially to winning tire war, and whose ideals pf liberty are akin to oars.