Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1919-07-01
ARTICLES xvII.Xx
Nations Outside League.

but also by, against or between nations
outside Of the covenant; ana Article
XVII is aimed at such cases. Tae out
side nation engaged in a dispute. even
it ef character that threatens war,
is not treated as TN utlaw, but is Of
fered for the purpose Of the dispute the
benefits as well as the obligations Of
membership in the League. Ii it ae-
cepts the invitation it obtains the same
protection as a member from attack by
its adversary whether within or with
out the League; and if there is 9 yoiun-
tary submission to arbitration it has the
same right as a member to demand that
the award be carried out. This is GER
tainly treating the outsider fairly.
On the other hand the outsider, wheth
er it accepts the invitation or hot, is re-
strained from attacking a member by
the same penalties that would DC ap.
piled to a signer of the covenant. In
other words the members agree 10 help
one another against attacks from out
side as well as against those from ono
of their own number. They could hard
ly do less.
Whcn the controversy is between two
outsiders both are invited to Join the
League for the purpose Of the dispute,
and, if either Of them accept, the posi-
tion is exactly that already described,
because the one accepting has for this
purpose the standing of member of
the League. If both refuse the 1bli-
cations of membership cannot be di-
rectly applied, but hostihties arc to be
and the council is authorized
to take such measures and make such
as will prevent them.
Since the council has no forces under
its orders and cannot command tnosc
of its members without their consent,
the measures it can take must bo of
diplomatic nature, TO be followed Dy
for the use of force il
necessary. But practically this VIII not
happen, because it is highly unlikely
that both Of the outside nations desire
war, and the one that does not win eer-
tainly accept the invitation Of the
League.
Restraining influences.
This method of preventing war with
OR among nonmembers is both feir and
ingenious They are subjected to the
penalties and ae offered the benefits
of membership, except that temporary
membership gives no consultative v5ice
in the general management Of the
League. Hence there win be decided
advantage in entering the League per
mGnently, and an inducement for every
Trustworthy nation to do so, until 1t
becomes an association Of all truly self.
governing countries to maintain the
peace Of the world. Hence also the pow
or OF expulsion, conferred upon the
council by the last clause Of A.Gicle
XVI. becomes serious peaalty that
win 90 far TO secure the carrying OF,
of arbitral awards and the observance
of all the other obligations of the Cove
naut.
No Secret Treaties.
The object Of Article XVIII requir-
ing treaties or engagements to he reg
istered with the secretariat and pub
lished is simply to prevent secret tea
ties and especially secret mihrrv ALI
arees. It is wholly in accord with our
national traditions Some people have
suggested that an honorable country
which has made a secret treaty will feel
bcund in honor To execute it, and there
fore the provision that sueh treaty
shall not be binding will have 10 effect,
To this there are two answers First,
that an honorable country VIII not
make not make secret treaty contrary
TO its agreement in the covenant. See
ord, that in the free nations of the
League treaties cannot practically be
carried into effect without the action Of
the representative legislative bodies,
and these might naturally resent a Sc
eret treaty made without their knowl.
elee in violation of the covenant;
might very properly regard il as un-
and refuse 20 carry Il out.
A change Of the party in pov er might
we'll result ia its repudiatioa; for it
would he a fraud. not only upon the
other members Of the league. but also
upon the representative body ahd the
people Of the country that made Il. A
secret treaty would be q dangerous
thi for government TO Undertake,
and dangerous thing for the other
retiou 10 rclp uuon. Therefore L Is not
tikclv 10 be made.
The criticism that in the United
stases treaty Is made when the raiifi-
cations are exchanged has no veigai as
an objection TO this provision, because
the exchange can be made when The
treaty Is delivered to the scereteriai Of
tho League. as deed Of land Is often
delivered ai tho reristrv ~ deeds
Reconsideration Of Treaties.
Article XIX. which authorizes he as
semhiv 10 advise the reconsideration
of trcatics that have become inspph
cable and me consideration of ittciua.
tional conditions. endaugering the
neaee of the world needs no axnlana-
fion. It gives power merely IS dis ufss
asd suggest. ard Is part of tbs assem-
blvis general function Of debflins in-
ternaiioual relations. especially sueh as
nav Threaten war.
Article Ky. nroviline Tor The atroea-
iion Of on obligations hctwcsa mem
hers Of The League Inconsistent with