The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1919-03-19
ASQUITH MAY
BE NAMED TO
HEAD LEAGUE
SAYS REPORT
Diplamats Said to Favor Eng
lishman = Military Terms
Amended to Hasten Release
of Allied Troops.
NO DELAY IN TREATY
(By Associated Pressl


LONDON, March 19.- There is a
strong feeling in political and diplo-
matte circles in Paris in favor of invit-
ing Herbert A. Asquth, former Brit
ish premier, to become the first presi-
dent of the league of nations, accord
ing to the Daily Mirror.
PARIS, March 19-The military
terms, of the treaty of peace have
been amended by the elimination of
the clause providing for the control
of Germany's armament for an indef-
mite period Admiral w. S. Benson
of the United States navy, pointed
out that the original terms committed
the United States to a virtually in
definite occupation of Germany ans it
was chiefly on his insistence that the
terms were modified. American del
egates also pointed out that control
of any portion of Germany would de-
lay the return home of the American
troops and would amount to the an
nulling of the sovereignty of Ger
many.
AS amended the terms provide for
control through the time fixed for the
delivery of materials of war, guns and
ships, but not through the period dur
ing which war demands will be paid
by Germany.
The commission on international
waterways, ports and railroads of the
peace conference decided today to re-
commend to the conference that Swift
Zerland should be given the naviga-
ton facilities on the Rhine for which
she has made demands.
In report submitted Tuesday. the
commission appointed to consider
plans for an international air code, an
nounced that the British proposals
had been, in the main, accepted. An
international council will be formed
as a section of the league of nations
to handle all matters relative to aerial
navigation.
Az
1t has been decided that each ma
ton is entitled to sovereignty over the
air above it, subject to the granting
Of permission for the passage of for
eign aviators. There is to be no dis
elimination against any nation by an
other, air pilots will be licensed on an
international basis and there will be
international rules governing the right
of way for airplanes and airships.
Inclusion of the league Of nations
covenant in the preliminary peace
treaty will not delay the signing of
the treaty, which, it is hoped, will be
accomplished within two weeks, said
Lord Robert Cecil of Great Britain,
talking to British and American news
paper correspondents tonight. He said
that three amendments to the coven-
ant had been submitted by added he
was "sure there will be no difficulty
in meeting all legitimate objections.
Says Doctrine Strengthened.
Discussion the Monroe doctrine and
the effect of the league of nations up
on it, Lord Robert said:
"The Monroe doctrine is strengthen
ed by the league of nations covenant
because international action will be
carried out by the organs of the
league. The United States will be
represented on each body and since
these bodies are international, no ac-
tion can be taken without the consent
of all. No action can be taken by the
league which is opposed by the Unit
ed States itself and that would not af-
feet the Monroe doctrine.
Conference on international regime
of ports, railways and waterways de-
cided yesterday that future navigation
OF the Rhine will be controlled by an
allied commission.