East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-08-08
SEVEN PROVISIONS IN IRRATy
OVER WHICH BATTLE RACES


held by others to have an international
aspect.
League supporters. however, insist
that the definite provision of Article
lis absolutely shuts out of considera-
ltion any domestic question, and leaves
| 1t for settlement between the two ma
4 tions.
/ Withdrawal From League
The fourth provision upon which a
reservation is demanded is that cover
ling withdrawal from the League. Its
text follows:
Article l paragraph 81
Any member of the League may,
| after two years notice of its in
tention to do so, withdraw from
the League. provided that all its
international obligations and all
itc obligations under this coven-
ant shall have been fulfilled at
the time of its withdrawal"
The criticism here is that the provi-
sion allows the League-that is, for
eign nations-to decide, in the case of
the United States. whether this gov
eminent has fulfilled its obligations.
The demand is that the right of the
United States to be the judge of its
own obligations and the fulfillment of
them be recognized
| The reply made to this criticism is
that the provision applies not only to
the United States. but to every nation
in the League, and that what is fair
for one is fair for all.
Disarmament, as provided for in Ar
tiele Eight of the Covenant is another
section causing dissatisfaction, and a
demand for a reservation. This pro-
vision reads:
Reduction of Armaments
Article S.-The members of
the League recognize that the
maintenance of peace requires the
reduction of national armaments
to the lowest point consistent with
national safety and the enforce
ment. by common action of inter-
national obligations.
THE Council taking account of
the geographical situation and
circumstances of such state, shall
formulate plans for such reduc-
ton for the consideration and ac-
ton of the several governments.
such, plans shall be subject to
reconsideration and revision at
least every ten years.
After these plans shall have
been adopted by the several gov
ernments, the limits of arma-
rnents therein fixed shall not be
exceeded without the concurrence
of the council
The members of the League
agree that the manufacture by
private enterprise of munitions
and implements of war is open to
grave objections. The council
shall advise how the evil effects
attendant upon such manufacture
can be prevented, due regard be-
ing had to the necessities of those
members of the league which
are not able to manufacture the
munitions and implements of war
necessary for their safety.
THE members of the league
undertake to interchange full and
frank information as to the scale
of their armaments, their military
naval and air programs and the
condition of such of their indus
tries as are adaptable to war like
purposes -s.
The criticism directed against this
article is that while it discusses disa-
armament, it does not really PROVIDE
for it. The fact that the council
function is merely that of drawing up
and submitting a plan, which may be
rejected by any government. is heid
by league critics to be a fatal defect
in any plan designed effectively to dis
arm nations.
! Another criticism that if the Unit
ed States accepts this article, it VIII
bind itself to accept the orders OF the
council, made up of one American
and eight foreigners, as to the size OF
the American army and navy.
But the leagues supporters contend
THAT Article Eight goes as far towards
disarmament as the league could 60
and that nations entering the league
| in good faith will make the article ef-
fective by agreeing to the COUNCIL
suggestions, unless they clearly run
counter to national safety. And the
article does not invade American
sovereignty, they claim, because II
leaves to this government the opuor
of accepting or rejecting the counch
suggestions.
Fear Interference
/ The sixth exception is taken to Ar
Eticle 10, which provides;
article 19.--The assembly may
from time to time advise the
reconsideration by members or
the league of treaties which have
/ become inapplicable, and the con-
sideration of international condi-
tions whose continuance might en-
danger the peace of the world"
!, This, critics of the league contend
opens the door to constant attempt
by foreign nations to upset the Mon
roe doctrine and to interfere witt
. American affairs. They point ou
. that the league, under this article
would have power to declare that rela
tions between the United States an
Mexico threatened the worlds peace
, and could order either the unite'
, states or some European power Z
step In and change the conditions.
This contention is dubbed an an
|. surdity by the leagues supporters
, who insist the only effect OF the Ar
lticie is to provide a means for re
adjustments which may become neces
, sary as conditions change a
shant,lng objection
The seventh and final objection