Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-18
Secretary Knox's Statement.


treaty is described by Secretary Knox in
the following official statement. which,
he says, is specific as it could be
made at the present time:
The department has completed a draft
of a general arbitration treaty which
has been approved by the President and
will be submitted to the French and Brit
ish ambassadors a. a formula upon which
this government is now willing to enter
into negotiations, using this tentative
draft as a ba sis.
This draft is not the result OF nego-
tiations with any particular country, but
represents what this government believes
10 be sound basis for negotiations for
the extension of the scope of its arbi-
tration treaties.
1T has been sent to the French and
British ambassadors because they had
indicated the desire of their countries
TO discuss the subject OF a general treaty
Of arbitration which would include all diff
ferences that might arise with this coun-
try.
1.-THE general features of the draft are
these: II expands the scope OF our ex-
listing general arbitration agreements ny
eliminating the exception contained in
existing ones of questions of vital inter-
est and national honor.
1T is proposed that all differences that
are internationally justifiable shall be
submitted to The Hague tribunal, unless
by special agreement some other tribunal
is created or selected
Not internationally Justiciable.
at provides that differences that either
country thinks are not internationally
justiciable shall be referred to COM
mission of inquiry. with power to make
recommendations for their settlement
This commission is to be made up of
nationals Of the two governments who
are members of the Hague court
Should the commission decide that the
difference should be arbitrated, this de-
cision is to be binding.
"Arbitrations are to be conducted under
terms of submission subject to the advice
and consent of the Senate
Before arbitration is resorted TO even
In cases where both countries agree that
the difference is one susceptible of arbi-
trail decision, the commission of inquiry
shall investigate the difference, with a
view of recommending a settlement that
will preclude the necessity of arbitration.
The action of this commission Is not to
have the effect of an arbitral award. The
commission, at request of either govern
ment, shall delay it's findings one year
to give opportunity for diplomatic set
tlement.
The other features of the draft deal
mainly with the machinery of the COM
mission and other essential details"
Beginning of Negotiations.
The submission of the drafts to Great
Britain and France marks the actual be-
ginning of negotiations. The foreign Of
fees of the two countries will now make
an exhaustive examination Of the Amer
lean proposition. with a view to suggest
ing notifications or additions 1t is the
desire of the administration to complete
the negotiations. If possible. in time for
submission to the Senate before the adj
journment of the present session OF Con-
gress.
The vast Importance of the proposed
arbitration treaty has been the subject of
discussion in diplomatic circles here ever
S-Ecc the idea was suggested. Now that