The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-08

method OF applying military coercion TO
the countries refusing to comply with
the decision OF the Society OF Nations
or breaking its rules. owing to the
very conflicting Views expressed, the
commission decided to postpone def
mite decision.
Territorial Claims q Problem.
The number of territorial conflicts
now making their appearance in Peace
Conference circles. It is said in some
quarters, Is attributable 10 the prospects
OF an early realization of a Society OF
Nations plan which will involve the ex-
animation OF all such claims by a legal
tribunal OF the Society for adjudica-
ton.
II Is thought that some OF the Powers
whose titles TO territories In conflict rest
on ancient historical ties would prefer to
commit the Peace Conference TO their
support in advance Of the adoption of a
Society OF Nations plan. II they could do
this they would avoid a conflict between
their claims and the principles which
may be laid down in the Society OF Ma
lions.
The community OF interest OF some
nations in certain questions has led to
hints OF cooperation between those ma
lions to make up n majority In the con-
ference. Gossip In the corridors even
mentions threats OF resistance TO any
decisions adverse to those interests. The
special committee working on the So
ciety OF Nations plan Is not moved by
these rumors, however.
secret Treaties in Danger.
Secret treaties made under the stress
OF war and which may be considered
out OF harmony with the principles OF
| which a Society OF Nations IL being or
ganized have provoked a great deal Of
comment Tho American delegates. at
least. have said that such agreements
In 80 far as they are In conflict with
the PRINCIPLES OF society OF nations
must give way.
Some other Powers. while not openly
depending upon these arransements have
reserved their decision as to their final
attitude. Meanwhile. with the thought OF
| lessening the existing controversies and
OF avoiding unpleasant scenes In the final
meetings before the departure Of Premier
Lloyd George and President Wilson. ef-
| forts are being made by influential per-
sonaRes TO compose the differences be-
tween the individual States. The efforts
are said to have prospects of success.
The Russian problem again has come
to the fore In connection with tho &C.
ceptance by the Moscow Bolshevik Gov.
eminent OF the invitation to the confer
ence ON the Princes Islands. In some
quarters the action Of the Moscow Gov
eminent has been hailed with satisfac'
ton and relief. In view OF the promise Il
gives OF an immediate termination OF
, Rolshevic attacks on the little allied
army In the Archangel sector.
| Small crowds are beginning to gather
around the Foreign Once. where the Su,
preme Council meets. but they do moi
disturb the diplomats. who say what sur.
prises them Is that the proceedings have
been so remarkably harmonious in view
OF the multiplicity and the complexity OF
questions.
Dalmatian Dispute Lessons.
As the result o, direct exchanges be
tween Premier Orlando OF Italy and Pre-
mier Protitcl of Jugo-Slava. II wa,
stated to-day that the differences be
tween the two countries regarding tn,
boundaries OF their respective terri
tories. which have been an acute prob
lem, probably will soon be amicably ad
ljusted.
Representatives OF both nations Pre-
mier Orlando for Italy and NJ. Thumb
Itch, the Jugo-Slav Foreign Minister
were in conference with President Wi
son yesterday, when II was stated tina
an effort was being made by the Presi
dent to mediate between the two nation
for the purpose of aiding them to reael
an agreement for the settlement OF thei
conflicting claims regarding Albania
Fiume, 1stria and Dalmatla.