New-York tribune., 1919-06-11
Admitting Germany

Information comes concerning rev1-
sion of the covenant to make the ad-
mission of new members easier. The
purpose is said to be to facilitate the ad-
mission of Germany, and the reason as
signed is the fear Germany and Russia
NAV come together and provide nucleus
for hostile combination.
The text of the proposed change is
withheld and it is difficult to judge 1t.
The present provision with respect to the
admission of new members is as follows:
"Any fully elf-governing state, domin-
ion or colony not named in the ann TX may
become & member of the league if its ad-
mission is agreed to by two-thirds Of the
assembly provided it shall give effective
guarantees of it's sincere intention to OBJ
serve it's international obligations. and
shall accept such regulations as may be
prescribed by the league in regard to its
military and naval forces and arma-
ments.".
This would seem liberal-no time limit
against Germany or any other nation.
The door is wide open, except for the
stimulation for consent by two-thirds of
the leagues membership. Perhaps this is
to be changed to majority. But this
alteration would be more of form and
substance 1t practically would be no
easier for Germany to command ma
jority than two-thirds. For number of
years the organizing powers likely are
to dominate the league.
1t may be surmised that the real pur-
pose of the change is diplomatic. Great
anxiety exists to get Germany's sigma
ture Germany can be occupied, but
what then? The prospect of keeping an
army there Indefinitely is not inviting.
The world has no stomach for such an
undertaking. 1t is not within the hu-
name spirit of the Allies to gas or de-
stroy German towns to induce change
of mind.
We face the queer spectacle of the
defeated having an advantage in the
negotiations. Here is consequence of
the delay at Paris-of the failure to
have the treaty close on the heels of
the armistice. But the mistake has been
made and it's effects are irremovable,
and the practicalities of the present
situation must be dealt with.
Thought of Germany as a member of
the league properly is highly offensive.
The smell of blood still is on her hands.
The smoke hardly has blown away from
the towns she burned. To. sit own with
such a nation when there is no pretence
of repentance is profoundly abhorrent.
1t seems a mockery of the peace and to
compromise honor. SO emotions arise
against what looks like betrayal.
But the claims of practicability are
insistent. Inept diplomacy has created
a situation out of which we must find
our way. Is it better to surrender sensi-
bilities relating to the league than to
modify more substantial guarantees of
peace?
That efforts are being made both in
Germany and Russia to arrange an alli-
ance long has been known. The plotting
will go on as long as Germany is Ger
many and as long as Russia is controlled
by men who are German tools No one
viii be foolish enough, let US hope, to
think Germany will desist from conspir-
ing when admitted as a league member
The way to remove the danger is to
create a genuinely democratic Russia
whose sympathies will be spontaneously
with the democratic nations. In spite Of
fatuities and utilities of counsel and
action the time approaches when the
new Russia will raise her head. Within
Russia herself must arise the bulwark
against German intrigue.