Omaha daily bee., 1919-03-26

An American amendment to pro-
tect nations against the influx OF
foreign laber was adopted today BY
the league of nations commission.
1t affirms the right of any country
in the league to control matters
solely within domestic jurisdiction.
Another important amendment to
the league covenant affects article
viii, which empowers the executive
council to formulate plan for the
reduction of armaments. The Ian
guage of the article is altered so5as
to limit the powers of the council
to a simple recommendation to the
governments affected.
Safeguard Monroe Doctrine.
The American peace delegation, it
is understood, has definitely agreed
upon the amendment it will offer
to article 10 of the covenant of the
league of nations, to safeguard the
Monroe doctrife.
The amendment provides that
agreements under the covenant shall
not be construed as an infringe
ment upon the principles of interna-
tional policies heretofore generally
recognized.
Article,x of the draft of the league
of nations covenant reads as fol-
lows:
The high contracting parties
shall undertake to respect and pre-
serve as against external aggression
the TERRITORIAL integrity and.eexisting
political independence of all states
members of the league. In case Of
any such aggression, or in case OF
any threat of danger Of such ag-
gr -ssion. the executive council SHALL
advise upon the means by which
the obligation shall be fulfilled"
President Wilson would have of
fered the amendment at the meeting
Of the league of nations. commission
last night, but discovered slight
imperfcction in the text and sre-
served the right to submit it later.
Assured of Favorable Action.
AS framed the amendment will be
an appendix to the article pledging
members of the league to respect
and preserve against external ag-s
gression territorial integrity and ex-
isting political independence of meme
bers. Mention of the Monroe Doc
trine by naue is avoided purposely.
Inasmuch as President Wilson and
Colonel House on several occasions
have discussed THE subject with
Premiers Lloyd George, Clemenceau
and Orlando, it is assumed that the
president assured himself of favor
able action in advance of the sub
mission of the amendment to the
commission
Other changes in the covenant
made at last nights meeting and
which are regarded by the American
delegates OF. great Importance were
calculated to meet suggestions and
objections emanating from America.
They include substitute for the
phrase states members of the
league" in article 10 and elsewhere
in The covenant, thus meeting OBJ
jections that the latter terms Great
ed membership.
Subject to Revision.
Provision also was made for the
revision of the covenant itself from
time to time, thus meeting the OBJ
lection that it is inflexible. The ad-
mission of other states was provid-
ed for, but it was agreed that any
change In numbers must be with
due regard to the proportion be-.
tween the representation of The
large and small powers on the ex-
ecutive council as defined in the
articles creating the council.
Many changes in the text of the
covenant were made with the spe-
cial purpose of Qualification and re-
moving antiquities to which atten-
tion had been called by speakers in
the United States. Some doubt is,
entertained in some quarters as to
the wisdom of amendments affirm
ing absolute control OF countries
over their internal affairs as possi-
!, bly, prohibiting the extension Of OUT
side aid to put down revolutions.
and tits possible this language may.
be further modified.
One amendment to be submitted
adopts provision that towers
which are not specifically delegated
to the league are reserved to ind~
vidual members. Nothing has yet
been done to affirmatively state the
right of nation with regard to its
withdrawal from the league, nor
HIS the Japanese amendment regard
ing racial determinations been
reached. This latter, however. has
been modified so as to simply de-
Glare for the right OF Just" treat
fnent and is likely to be accepted.
A French amendment providing
for the maintenance OF general
military staff has been proposed, but
thus far it has not been accepted.