New-York tribune., 1919-02-10
Strong Executive Power
and Judicial Tribunal
Also Determined On
Disarmament Is
Declared Adopted
Germany and Pugnacity
of Small Nations Seen
as a Menace TO Peace
New York Tribune
Special Cable Serutcs

SOecu+ CuOte SeTUtce
Copyright 1919. New York Tribune Incl
PARIS, Feb 9.-The first concrete
idea of the league Of nations was given
out here this morning by Ferdinand
Larnaude, head of the Paris law fac
ulty and French member of the confer
ence committee on the constitution ~
the league. According to his state
ment, the principle of compulsory ar
bltratlon has been discarded as OF
MINOR Importance in view of the prob
ability of the adoption of plan pro-
vldlng for an international army to
back the decisions of strong league
executive, with a staff of inter-Allied
officers
The principle of the reduction of the
military establishments Of the powers
banded together in the league, he said,
already had been adopted, but the de
tails await general discussion. Each
power is to be requested to furnish a
certain number of officers and men for
the international army, and possibly to
provide a home force as a sort of re-
serve.
Army Idea Meets French Demand
This plan of an active and reserve
force is said to have been advanced to
satisfy the French demand for prac-
tical guarantees of her ssksty. in view
Of her special geographical and his
torical position with reference to the
Teutonic menace.
M. Larnaude insisted strongly that
the French were deeply devoted to the
idea of q world league, and declared
the whole nation would greet with en-
thusiasm an international organization
based upon the soldier, rather than
vague hopes that the future may show
that human nature has changed.
NJ. Larnaude declared the league
would be divided into three sections.
First-The executive, clothed with
great powers.
Second-The legislative, with all
nations represented on basis prob
ably of proportional population.
Third The judicial, TO which
minor matters would be referred for
adjustment.
The idea of strong executive was
borrowed from the United States, saws
NJ. Larnaude, and adopted by the com
mlttee in the conviction that the sue
cess Of the league of nations depends
upon immediate and practical realiza-
ton of certain world demands which il
would be dangerous to leave in the
realm of theory The executive is to
sit permanently in a world capital, for
which Holland, Belgium, Switzerland
and Versailles all have been considered
without decision so far.
Future Wars Held Possible
Nj. Larnaude made it clear that the
trainers of the league do not hope for
the immediate stoppage of all war, in
fact, he suggested that in certain CON
tingencies not involving threat
against world peace it might be con
sidered best to let the disputants
Eight it out" But in al, vital ques-
tions threatening a widespread out-
break OF hostilities the league execu-
tive will take charge, and he will be
backed by an armed force sufficient to
enforce his decisions.
The idea of the league of nations
army it is understood, is French con-
tribution to the trainers of the league
constitution.
"The two greatest dangers which
must be faced are, first and gravest,
Germany" said NJ. Larnaude, "and, Sec
ond, the small but vigorous nationaii-
ties, whose tendencies may well be pug
nacious because of the very fact of
their youth and abounding energy"
What of Germany" he was asked.
THAT is still a question for the
peace conference" he replied, "for it is
undecided yet whether the complete
rehabilitation Of Germany will be de-
manded."
finder in Small Nations
In regard to the small nations, NJ.
Larnaude said he saw the possibility of
outbreaks on their part which would
no. be susceptible of settlement by the
league executive, in which case the con-
ference committee was not afraid To
admit that it might be wisest to let
them fight it out, while the league ex-
ecutive and his international force as.
sured the limitation of the theatre OF,
war so as to prevent another world
confagration.
NJ. Larnaude paid glowing tribute
to Mr.. Wilson, saying the Presidents
charm Of manner and quality of mind
are such as to make accord certain -
lie also referred warmly to Lord Rob.
ert Cecil, adding: at is impossible to
exaggerate the completeness OF the