INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15271, 22 June 1923, Page 5

INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL

LATEST HEWS

AMERICA’S ENTRY.

PRESIDENT HARDING’S PROPOSALS Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn. (Received June 22, 10.30 a.m.) NEW YORK, June 20. President Harding, who is en route to Alaska, made a speech at St. Louis, suggesting three changes in the World Court designed to sever it from the League of Nations, and so ease the way for American entry into the Court. The President proposed—(l) that the vacancies on the Court be filled by the tribunal itself, or else by the member-nations instead of by the League; (2) that the apportionment of contributions and supervision of expenses, and fixing of judges’ compensation, be exercised either by the League Court or by a Commission designated by members of the World Court; and (3) the abolition of the League’s exclusive rights to seek legal advisory guidance from Court or else the extension of this right to all mem-ber-nations.

The president declared his willingness to accept a clarifying reservation that the United States understands that the Court owes no subservience and obligation to the League. He proposed other changes as a basis of negotiation, and declared: “ I am so eager for the ultimate accomplishment that I am interested in harmonising the opposing elements, and more anxious to effect our helpful commitment to the Court than I am to secure a victory for the executive.” In a sentence, he hoped that Germany, Turkey and Mexico would adjust their international relations so that they might join the Court. i

The President dealt lengthily with the-various senatorial objections, repeatedly asserting that he would do everything possible to satisfy those fearing that entrance to the Court would involve the United States in the League’s affairs, adding: “In face ol the overwhelming verdict of 1920, the League of Nations’ issue is as dead as slavery. It is not for us."