Omaha daily bee., 1919-03-28

Paris, March 27.--It developed
tonight that unexpected obstacles
had arisen concerning the Mon
roe doctrine amendment to the
league of nations covenant, max
ing it doubtful whether the amend
ment can be incorporated in the
revised document.
Paris, March 27.-Cohtaining
neither any reference to the Monroe
doctrine nor to the Japanese pro-
posal for recognition of the racial
equality of nations, the draft of the
covenant of the league of nations to-
day is in the hands OF the special
drafting committee.
The draft was completed Wednes-
day night at sitting of the full
commission and the covenant is ex-
pected to be ready in completed
form early next week. The two
amendments around which has CEN
tered the greatest interest and much
divergence of opinion, however, may
be offered either in the council OF
ten or to the plenary peace CON
ference, to which the covenant must
go for final action.
among other amendments adopt
ed Wednesday night was one direct
ly recognizing the principle of wo-
men suffrage in that it provides that
the offices of the league are oper
to women as we'll as to o1men.
Withdrawal Permitted.
The much discussed question as to
the policy of the withdrawal from
membership in the league of nations
was settled by an amendment per-
n1itting withdrawal on two years
notice, but not Until such nation has
filled out its International obliga
tions.
Article X of the covenant, to-
which the Monroe doctrine amend
ment would apply stands in its
original form, President Wilson
having reserved for the present the
amendment which had been pre-
pared as expressing the views of the
American delegation. 1t is now eN-
planned that it was not the exact
text. but only the general form of
the amendment, which was given
to the press and that hence criticism
must be withheld for the present.
Careful soundings are being taken
to ascertain the reception that is
likely to be given this amendment
by other delegations. II unfriendly
sentiment develops or the pressing
Of other and obnoxious amendments
IS threatened as a consequence Of
insistence upon the Monroe doctrine.
it is said the amendment may be
altogether withheld.
Japanese Plan Strikes Snag.
Since the first mention of the de-
sire of the japanese to. secure an
amendment recognizing equally be-
fore the law of all nationals Of the
league of nation states in oth0
countries, the Japanese delegates
have not pressed their amendment
before. the commission itself. They
have, however. been canvassing the
delegations with various forms Of
such an amendment, endeavoring to
find out the feeling toward it.
They ran squarely en- one reef to.
day, when Premier Hughes of Aus
tralia declared without qualification
that the Australian delegation would
not support or stand in favor of any
amendment, of any kind whatever.
containing the japanese desires.
AS a matter of fact the Japanese
amendment did not come before the
commission last night. but it is un-
derstood its authors have not aban-
doncd the idea of obtaining an ex-
preston of feeling on it from the
council of ten and perhaps from the
plenary peace conference itself.
Committee Created.
An important amendment adopted
last night provides for the creation
of committee on organization OF
the league which is to BE empowered
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