The Benson signal., 1919-02-22
Article VIII.


The high contracting parties recOg
nize the principle that the mainte-
nance of peace will require the reduc
tion of national armament to the low
est point consistent with national
safety and the enforcement by common
consent of international obligations,
having special regard to the geograph-
ical situation and circumstances OF
each state; and the executive coun-
Gil shall formulate plans for effecting
such reduction.
The executive council shall also de-
termine for the consideration and ac-
ton of the several governments what
military equipment and armament is
fair and reasonable in proportion to
the scale of forces laid down in the
program of disarmament; and these
limits, when adopted, shall not be ex-
ceeded without the permission of the
executive council.
The high contracting parties agree
that the manufacture by private enter
prise of munitions and implements of
war lends itself to grave objections,
and direct the executive council to
advise how the evil effects attendant
upon such manufacture can be prevent
ed, due regard being had to the ne
cessities of, these countries which are
not able to manufacture for them
selves the munitions and implements
of war necessary for their safety,
Article TX.
A permanent commission, shall be con-
stituted to advise the league on the
execution of the provisions of Article
Eight and on military and naval ques
tions generally.
Article X.
The high contracting parties shall
undertake to respect and preserve, as
against external aggression, the ter
ritorial integrity and existing political
independence of all states, members
of the league. In case of any such
aggression, or in case of any threat
or danger of such aggression, the ex-
ecutive council shall advise upon the
means by which the obligation shall!
be fulfilled.
Article XII.
Any war or threat of war; whether
Immediately affecting any of the high
contracting parties or not, is hereby
declared a matter of concern to the
league, and the high contracting par
ties reserve the right to take any ac-
ton that may be deemed wise and eff
fectual to safeguard the peace of ma
tions.
Article XII.
The high contracting parties agree
that should disputes arise between
them which cannot be adjusted by the
ordinary processes Of diplomacy, they
will in no case resort to war without
previously submitting the questions
and matters involved either to arbitra
ton or toN inquiry by the executive
council, and until three months after
the award by the arbitratOrs or rec
ommendation by the executive coul.-
ell; and that they will not even thep
resort to war as against a member of
the league which complies with th"
award of arbitration or the recon-
mendation Of the executive council.
Article XIII.
The high contracting parties, when
ever any dispute or difficulty shall
arise between them which they rec
dgnize to be suitable to arbitration,
and which cannot be satisfactorily
settled by diplomacy, will submit the
whole matter to arbitration. For this
purpose the court of arbitration to
which the case is referred shall be the
court agreed on by the parties or
stipulated in any convention existing
between them. The high contracting
parties agree that they will carry out
in full good faith any award that may
be rendered. In the event of any fail
ure to carry out the award, the eX-
ecutive council shall propose what
steps can best be taken to give effect
thereto i
Article XIV.
The executive council shall fOrmu-
late plans for the establishment of Il
permanent court of international JUS
tice and this court shall, when estab-
lished. be competent to hear and de-
termine any matter which the parties
recognize as suitable for the 'submis-
sion to it for arbitration under the fore
going article.
Article W..
If there should arise between states
members of the league any dispute
likely to lead to rupture, which is not
submitted to arbitration as above, the
high contracting parties agree that
they will refer the matter to the eXecu-
tive council; either party to the dis
pute may give notice of the existence
of the dispute to the secretary general,