Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-01-15
Views of Other Nations.

navy.
Views of Other Nations.
The British plans thus far publish
ed indicate a desire to leave each
nation freedom of action to determine
for itself whether the mandates of the
league are just. The French view has
hardly crystallized. Some members
of the French delegation are advocat-
ing league much stronger than the
British plan. but others are doubtful
of the practical application of the idea
of the league. These men argue for
an association ruled by new balance
of power
The trend of opinion inside the
American delegation is toward the
most drastic of plans.
II, as under the British scheme, war
be postponed for one year while dis
putes are being Investigated, then,
Americans ask, why cannot war be
postpone war for a year is yielding
sovereignty temporarily, then there is
no objection, from the American point
of view, to permanent agreement pro-
hibiting war.
Objection to Smuts' Plan.
The objection raised to Gen. Smuts'
plan is that league by permitting re-
course to hostilities, or leaving loopholes
for war at the end of year, legalizes
war. 1t would not be surprising to see
Americans advocating an association of
nations which under no circumstances
would sanction the invasion of one an
others territory. There is strong
feeling among Americans in absolute
fnality Of decisions of the league and
the necessity of bringing to bear the
power of all the component parts to in
sure respect for its decisions.
The Americans realize fun well that
they are unable without an amendment
to the American Constitution to pledge
army and navy support to DEGREES of
the league of nations. There Is no in
tention of asking for such amendment,
as conviction prevails that the power of
the American Congress to declare war
whenever il seems wise is strength
enough in itself.
Would Submit Facts to All.
The American position would call
for the submission of facts TO every
legislature of every country to deter
mine how it will help enforce DEGREES
against recalcitrant nations. may
decide on the severance of diplomatic
relations and the cessation of
economic intercourse. Others may be
authorized by their legislatures or
congress to employ military and
naval forces. The Americans believe
that the very fact that the law
making parliament or congress of
every country be left free to say how
it shall support DEGREES of the league
is the best insurance against war, as
no nation will go to war in face OF
the possible opposition of the entire
league. and no nation Will attack
another unless absolutely sure the
,f no nfh wi no
brought to bear against her. which it
is impossible to know.
System Would Preclude Wars.
Under the system of open diplomacy
with making power vested in
parliaments and peoples everywhere
instead of in secret autocratic bodies
war would be practically impossible.
The Americans believe a strong league
of nations, with obligation of all its
members to obey decisions under PEN
atty of economic and possibly mill
tary and naval force, would be suffi-
cient to keep peace. The Americans
recognize the right of every people
to revolt against autocratfc govern
ments cannot be ignored, and that it
is necessary also to provide the right
of intervention of outside powers to
protect the integrity of nationaiities.
The Americans are swinging toward
the idea OF the British that nation
can be delegated by the league to act
as its agent with requirements to keep
order in troublous regions. This ap-
plies particularly to semi-civtlized
areas The Americans realize also
that this may mean new responsible
ties for the United States. as the trus-
teeShip in the near east and south
east Africa is being urged by the
British on the ground that the league
of nations means that America must
take her share of the burdens of the
worlds peace.
Serious, But Essential.
IL is a serious question as to how far
the American people are willing to go in
that direction. but If it is absolutely es-
sentiai to the ton of the worlds
peace our representatives here are argu-
ing that the American public Will be
willing to make the same sacrifices OF
traditional policy to insure peace, as 1t
lust did in war. The trend of opinion
among our delegates is that some sort
IF international organization of a per
uanent character is needed. which shall |
constantly review world situations, rec
revisions. |
Ii is obvious that President Wilson |
expects to wait TO see the proposals of |
France and Great Britain before sub
hitting the American plan, which is un- |
revisions day by day, accord |
ne as it is able to bring other countries |
nfo agreement on fundamental points.
1t begins to look as II Mr.. Wilson may |
obtain a declaration Of the general prin- |
.iples of the league before he leaves for |
America Plans are being made for a |
trip wherein the Presi- |
lent will explain to the American people !
What he has been endeavoring to do at |
he peace conference. and to crystallize |
American opinion behind such innoya- t
ions as it may be found necessary to
include in the league of nations in order |
o make it workable or make 1t satisfac- |
ory to our associates.
IT seems certain the President will |
address Congress on his return and |
hat he may possibly make a few pub
ic speeches in the east. But II seems
o be the impression that he will take
he American people into his conf
lence on the large questions dealt
With in the peace conference for the
purposes, first. if it is necessary for
,im to come back TO Europe, to reveal
o statesmen here the strength of
American public opinion behind him: