El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1919-01-09
NATION LEAGUE
COMING FIRST
Peace Delegates To Dis
cuss Plans At Their
First Meeting.

| certain points, to assist in the
! formation OF orderly govern
ments, and, at the same time. be-
gin to collect revenues to apply
on the bill Of damages.
Such action would be only a last
resort, but, II taken, the question
/ would arise as to how far the United
States would participate.
I Some Of those best informed as to
the lines along which Mr.. Wilson and
the peace commissioners are working
I believe that it is the purpose Of the
/ United States to go no further in the
lreau1ustmenI OF European affairs than
to secure general adherence to the
principles already laid down by presi-
dent Wilson, and they expect, OF
course, the details to square with the
principles. The execution OF these
details, some diplomats believe, may
extend into work OF years.
AShOuId Have Iaegue First.s
Robert Cecil who has arrived here
with the first section OF the British
peace delegation, expressed the opin-
ion to the Associated Press today that
the definite organization of a league
Of nations is Indispensable as a first
step toward the conclusion Of endur-
ing peace and a satisfactory settle
ment OF international problems.
Lord Robert made it clear that his
statements were personal views.
a'En my opinion, n league Of na-
lions Is necessary as the initiative
step in the negotiations said
lord Robert.
1T is not only necessary to insure
peace, but also for the proper treat
ment Of many international questions. |
which must be considered by the
peace congress Joint international
action in an organized form is neces- |
sary in order to relieve millions Of
people who are at this moment desti- |
tute OF necessaries OF life: to regulate I
permanently many vital common in |
terests such as international railways, I
ports. waterways, telegraphs and I
wireless. the use Of the air, public 1
health and the protection Of women 1
and juveniles in Industry, and to dis
charge adequately and Justly the re-
sponsibfIities of the great civilized 4
nation in such 2 great matter as the /
protection and guidance Of backward 1
peoples It IS the sum OF all these
recognized activities that we call the
league OF nations
Is Urgent Business.
1T Is our business to give this
league definite form here and now"
Lord Robert made It clear that he
has little sympathy with the view
that the peace congress may ultimate
" become a league OF nations without
being definitely organized
n
the first regular meeting Of the ma
lions forming the league" he said.
but think II would be a dangerous
policy to let the peace congress drift
along aimlessly without reaching q
positive organization OF a league Of
nations.
This impresses me as being a time
for the creation OF a body, which viii
be effectively organized ana not al
lowed to drop into inaction-"
Asked how far ornaments can be
limited by a league Of nations. lord
Robert replied:
eThnf. in my opinion, probably
is the most difficult problem the
peace congress VIII face. Indl-
vfduaI nations hardly will be will
ing to disarm until they are sure
Of peace and justice through the
operation Of the league More
over. how can any limitation OF
ornaments be actually enforeedf
What assurance can we have for
instance. that Germany Will not
create an army more or less Sc
eretlyf
'The world did noh know how ex-
ensiVely Germany was preparing for
var. She might develop another force
lnder the guise OF militia THESE are
he difficulties we have to face, but
We must endeavor earnestly to secure
between the powers rep
'esented at the congress in broad
,olicy Of rehabilitation"
When asked II the conditions were
he same with naval forces, lord Rob
1T replied in the affirmative.
Nations do not build navies for
lffensive purposes" he said, they
,uild them for defensive purposes, Tor
.olice duties Here again is a great
cope for cooperation and arrange
nents between the powers repre-
ented at the peace congress-