The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1911-12-20
u. s. MAY AID
. SINISTER BEFORE
HAGUE TRIBUNAL
House Resolution May Have
that Result.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
Would Have Persia and Russia Ar
bitrate Their Differences.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.

A possible opening for the interference
of this government, through diplomatic
channels, with the affairs of w. Morgan
Shuster, the Washingtonian, over whom,
as treasurer-general of Persia, Russia Is
about to attack the Persian capital, is
furnished in a joint resolution intro
duced in the House yesterday by Rep
resentative Slayden, of Texas.
The resolution, which was referred to
the Committee on Foreign Affairs. urges
| the President to communicate with the
two governments IN an effort to have
their dispute settled by the permanent
court of arbitration at The Hague.
The resolution reads as follows:
Text of Resolution.
Whereas Russia and Persia were sig
majors to the convention for the pacific
settlement of international disputes, con-
cluded at The Hague in 1907, which con-
vention still is in force, and has not been
renowned by either of said countries.
and the United States was also sigma
tory thereto; and
Whereas article 10 of said treaty, so
far as is now pertinent, reads as fol-
lows:
The contracting powers consider It
| their duty II a serious dispute threatens
to break out between two or more OF
them, to remind these latter that the
permanent court is open to them.
Consequently, they declare that the
fact Of reminding the parties at variance
of the advice given to them, in the high
est interests of peace, to have recourse
to the permanent court. can only be
regarded as friendly actions:'
Whereas as serious dispute has brok
en- out between Persia and Russia, which
under certain circumstances might in
volve them in war. and the duty Is there
fore incumbent upon the United States
as a contracting party to remind them
that the permenent court is open, and
the performance of such duty may be
regarded as a friendly act:
Ask Executive Action.
Resolved, That pursuant to the afore-
said treaty, to which Russia, Persia, and
the United States are parties, and in the
highest interests of peace. the President
of the United States be urged, requested.
and empowered as speedily as possible
to communicate with both Russia and
Persia, urging them to refer any differ
ences between them to the permenent
court of arbitration at The Hague. in
accordance with the convention to which
the three nations are a party"
The resolution will be taken up by the
Foreign Affairs Committee OF the House
Slayden said yesterday that in introduo-
ing the resolution, he was actuated solely
by a desire to see peace between Russia
and Persia, and that the thought of draw
ing Mr.. Shuster's case before the court
Of arbitration had not entered his mind.
1t is known that members of the Foreign
Affairs Committee in considering the
measure will consider it largely as a
possible means for assisting the Ameri-
can treasurer-generaI OF Persia in his I'M
equal fight for his rights.
Committee Is Informed.
Members of the Foreign Affairs Com
mittee have watched with interest the
course of Mr.. Shuster's case, and it IL
believed many of them are more than
ready to embrace any opportunity to as
sist him. The passage OF the resolution
by Congress and its acceptance by the
President would, it is believed, be long
step in the direction. not only to ultimate
peace between Persia and Russia, but of
a just and satisfactory settlement of the
Shuster question.
Inasmuch as the hostile movement Of
troops on the part of Russia directed
against the Persian capital is the result
of the steadfast refusal of the Persian
national council to break Mr.. Shuster's
contract with their government at the
demand OF RUSSIA, IN the event Inat me
dispute is taken before The Hague tri-
bunal for settlement Mr.. Shuster's rights
would be certain to receive a thorough
airing This, it is believed here could
bring about but one result-a decision in
favor of the continuation of his contract
with Persia.
While it Is admitted here that, in the
face Of the present agitation, which
will result in the abrogation of our
treaty with Russia, any advances of a
diplomatic nature by our government
might be coldly received in st. Peters
burg, it is believed the bill will be re-
ported out by the House committee, and,
possibly, passed by the House. Repre-
sentative Sulzer. chairman of the COM
mittee, has watched the Shuster case
closely and some time ago refused to
discuss the case in detail because he be-
lieved it would ultimately be brought
before his committee through resolu-
ton.