New-York tribune., 1919-02-16
I'll. C.. Lewis Outlines De-
tails of Plan at Dinner of
Free Nations Association
.lndorsed by Business Men
Aims TO Secure Equal Com
mercial Rights and Devel-
op Resources of Nations

A plan of a possible Business
League Of Nations" was read yesterday
afternoon by Harrison c. Lewis, vice
president Of the National Paper and
Type Company, at luncheon of the
League OF Free Nations Association.
which met to discuss 'The Eoualitv
OF Economic Opportunity" at the Hotel
Commodore.
Mr.. Lewis explained that some time
ago ne had drawn, with the approval
OF many business men. a rough plan
of IAN Association of Nations for The
Purpose of Fostering International
Relatlons, to Help in Solving Financial
and Economic Problems Arising AT the
End of the war" WV
The plan follows:
This association of nations should
De such as to make membership in it
OF the highest international honor and
mus encourage the proper and PRO
greSSiVe development of countries and
peoples. Those not entitled to mem
6ership should have encouragement
Tor Improvement or development to
warrant their admission. 1t must NOT
De a tight corporation" or for indi-
yldual gain.
international Congress in Effect
1T would be organized on economic
a ana extensive rather than on offensive
nnes. lt might in effect constitute an
lnternatlonal congress, to which all ma
tions in good standing could be ad-
mitted
10 1t all nations recognizing as a
pasls the broad principles upon the
success sful maintenance of which the
world intercourse depends would be
oilglole Tor membership under the con-
dltlons given below
flrst among these conditions would
be FULL recognition and maintenance of
national obligations. Failure to meet
such, obligations would not permit of
membership and would automatically
exclude participation in the delibera-
uons and work of the association. even
after admission
The tair treatment and fair protec-
ton of foreigners and of foreign in
Vestments IN each country would like
wise have an important influence upon
eligibility for admission to the asso-
citation: This would to degree auto
matically protect foreigners and their
investments abroad. provided residence
or, at least, investment abroad-has
first been approved by the foreign de-
partments OF the investing countries.
Equal Rights for All
The policy of practically taking ad-
vantage of trademarks, patents. etc.
could either be handled by the associa-
ton or by one of the conditions affect
= ing admission.
All nations members of the associa-
tion should have equal commercial
rights, and efforts might fairly be
made to help in the rational, logical
development of the natural resources
Of each country to it sadvantage and
TO the acquiring by each country of the
products most economically produced
elsewhere. and upon the most advan-
-tageous terms. Artificial development,
financially or industrially, of many
countries constitutes an existing and
an even greater potential danger to
the true progress of the world and TO
permanent peace. Development along
natural lines is possible to every coun-
try and is the sound individual policy,
as we'll as a policy tending toward the
greater and permanent advantage Of all.
The purpose OF the association
advancing and expanding, instead of
-curtailing and limiting. world produc-
ton
While each nation would thus enjoy
the important advantages of member
ship, each would still retain full in
dividualisy and responsibility in its in
ternal affairs.
Court of Arbitration
AS an example, The present Interna-
tional Postal Union might be used to
advantage in arranging details. The
possibility Of uniform currency might
be considered also
Penalties for non observance OF in
ternational treaties or obligations
could include restrictions in the supply
or purchase of raw material, of ship
ping, of financial assistance, and even
of postal and cable facilities.
The word force" need never be used.
While in effect the association might
be high court of arbitration, it need
not have such designation. It's pur-
pose would be TO draw all nations more
closely together and to promote the