Evening star., 1919-01-22
Fundamental Plans.

provide for compulsory investigation
of all disputes of all characters, with
provisions forbidding the beginning
of hostilities while arbitration or
other processes for amicable settle
ment offered by>mediators are being
exhausted, and provisions for the
Iocalization of conflict in case one
occurs represent one principle on Wmch
everybody is agreed.
A recent announcement OF the peace
conference spoke of the fact that no
nation will be committed except by a
free vote, and business will be con-
Quoted on the principle recognizing
the difficult process OF reaching
agreements. This is the underlying
fact from the conference thus far, and
partially explains why the great
powers are unwilling to give too
much publicity to the attitude any one
takes in any conversations. lest that
one be placed in the awkward position
of having yielded his views when
unanimous agreement is announced.
This will become more important as
territorial problems are discussed, be-
cause certain statesmen who VIII be
unable to get extreme claims recog-
nfzed fully intend to place RESPONSE
bility therefor on the fact that unani-
nous agreement was otherwise unob-
tainable.
Progress So Far Made.
Thus far the main business of the
conference has been of the most form
al character, with Il view to arrang-
ing the subjects in the most flexible
way that win permit of return to
each one whenever the great powers
are ready to declare an agreement.
1t is unlikely that there will be any
immediate action on the responsible
f1r 10 10 PyJ a. r
ted 1t is possible that this subject
will form the basis of an exhaustive
investigation after all the German
documents are available and full re-
ports are made by several commits
sionS later in the year.
1t was considered improbable that
the United States will take much in
the settlement because the United
States was not a party to the wal
when it began. If the United States
does anything it may submit the ba-
sis of the American case covering
submarine violations by Germany.
President to See League Launched.
So far as the league of nations is
concerned, however. it is expected
there will be an early return on that
subject, as it is generally recognized
by President Wilson's colleagues thai
he is desirous of clearing up that sub
ject before leaving Europe, in the
middle of February. AS Il courtesy te
him, If not in recognition of the idea
of the league. it seems certain that
there will be guarantee of a treaty
to maintain peace itself. with dec.
laration of principles unanimously
supported by the great powers which
will be announced as Mr.. Wilson
makes ready to sail for home.
1t is not expected that immediate
binding action will be taken, but
that ma interval will elapSe where
in neutrals, through their regular dip
lomatic channels or special consult
ing commissions, will have an OPP
portunity of being heard perhaps
suggesting revisions and changes.
Full Chance for All to Agree.
In other words, full chance will
be given to submit the plan to public
opinion before final vote or adherence
of all nations, though it goes without
saying, If the peoples of Great Brit
ain, France. Italy. Japan and America
sentatives it will form the basis for d
league to which most other nations
will be found willing to express ad-
herence and seek membership.
1t may be that Mr.. Wilson will find
1t wise to make d transcontinental
behind the plan as published. explain
ing the working features or ascer-
tanning the extent to which public
sentiment would like notifications.
British Plan for America.
For instance the British have been
urging that America as the exponent
of the league of nations ought to be
ready to undertake her full share OF
Il T,f
world peace. Accordingly ii is sug-
gested that America should accept
some part of the world. such as Asia
Minor or Southeastern AFRICA, over
which the United States viii exercise
a protectorate. 1t is even urged by
many prominent European delegates
who believe Constantinople should be
linternationaliZed that America should
undertake the supervision of such a
task.
4 large doubt exists in the minds OF
the American delegates as to how far
the American people will be willing
TO go unless absolutely convinced that
it is necessary to preserve the peace
of the world.
Views of U. s. Delegates.
Americans with whom 7 have talked
are inclined TO the view that the
nrobIems of the western hemisphere
extensive eastern hemisphere. and
that the responsibility of the Monroe
doctrine is quite sufficient for The
limited states to assume.
This unquestionably will be the
final view, in my opinion. unless more
evidence is given of the necessity for
the United States to participate than
has thus far been given, though
America, of course. probably will
agfee to use Its good offices. even in
fuence. in near eastern affairs to op-
nose differences or conciliate contend