Norwich bulletin., 1911-05-18
France Comes
In on Treaty
pHAFT or ARBITRATION AGREE
MENT IS SUBMITTED.
4 COMMISSION OF INQUIRY
VIII Consider Questions of "National
Honor and "vitaI Interestr-scope
of All Existing Treaties Extended.

Washington, May 1.-THE principle
of arbitration of practically all dis
putes between nations. including even
questions of vital interest and national
honor. assumed vitality today when
Secretary of State Knox submitted to
the British and French ambassadors
at Washington the draft of conven-
ton to serve as a basis of negotia-
tions.
Inclusion of France a Surprise.
The fact that this world movement
would be inaugurated with France as
well as Great Britain was a great sur
prise, for it was generally understood
that only the United States and Eng
land were concerned in the initial
steps.
Quick Responses to Proposition.
When President Taft last December
enunciated the doctrine of co.nprehen-
sive arbitration, he received quick
response from Ambassadors Bryce and
Jusserand that Great Britain and
France were willing to begin negotia-
tions with this country for the peace
ful settl ement Of practically all differ
ences that may arise. The president
instructed Secretary Knox Immediately
to crystalline the arbitral position
which this government would offer to
foreign nations.
Extends Scope of Existing Treaties.
The secretary has evolved an in
strlnlerlt which has received the ap-
proyal of the president and the other
members of mis- cabinet, providing thai
all differences which are International
ly juStifiable shall be submitted to ar
duration. 1t extends the scope of the
existing arbitration treaties by eIini-
mating the exceptions referring to
questions of vital interest and ma
tional honor
This elimination is the real accom-
.plishment of the proposed treaty. The
exceptions mentioned are found in ar
bitratior treaties the world over and
have constituted the chief obstacle to
the application of the arbitration prfn-
ciple, because it is hard to conceive of
a problem which in its essence can
ing bearing upon national honor or
vital interest
Another Advance Step.
Recognizing that there may be ques-
ltions of policy and other nlatterS<1ike-
ly to force nations to the brink of war.
but which no people would be willing
To arbitrate the tentative draft of the
treaty provides that differences that
either party consider within lis cate
CORY shall be referred to a commission
Of inquiry empower to make recon-
meudations for their settlement. In
this respect the treaty will take an
other adFanced step by binding the
disputants 10 arbitration in case the
commission of inquiry declares that
the controversy shall be arbitrated.
Arbitration Always a Last Resort.
Arbitration will in sn cases be last
resort After the two countries have
concluded that it is impossible to set
tie dispute by diplomatic inter-
change, the question will be submit
ted to a commission of inquiry charged
avoid arbitration. if possible.
Senate Not Shorn of Its Powers.
The United States senate will not
be asked to relinauish its right to
pass upon the question of arbitrating
each dispute. All agreements to ar
bitrate will be entered into with '-the
advice and consent of the senate" as
under existing conventions.
Actual Beginning of Negotiations.
The submission of the drafts to
Great Britain and France marks the
actual beginning of negotiations. The
foreign offices of the two countries
will not make an exhaustive examina-
ton ef the American proposal with a
view to suggesting notifications or
additions. 1t Is the desire of the ad-
Tainistraticn to complete the negotia-
tions if possible in time for submis-
sion to the senate before the adjourn
ment of the present session of con-
gress.
Japan Anxious to Join In.
It has been rumored recently that
japan was anxious to join in the ne
gotiaticDs, but SO far no formal dis
cussion of the subject between the
two countries has occurred.