Evening journal., 1919-08-09

nave an INTERNATIONAL aspect.
League supporters, however, insist
that The definite provisions OF Article
10 absolutely shuts out Of consideration
any domestic question, and leaves 1t for
settlement between the two nations.
The fourth provision upon which q
reservation Is demanded is that cover
Ing Withdrawal from the league. its
text follows:
ARTICLE 4 paragraph 3)-Any
member OF the league may, after
two years notice OF Its intention
TO do SO, Withdraw from the league.
provided that all It's international
obligations and all its obligations
under this covenant shall have been
fulfilled at the time Of its with
drawal."
The criticism here Is that the pro-
vision allows The league-lhat is, for
olgn natlons-to decide, In the case OF
the United States, whether this govern
ment las fulfilled It's obligations. The
! demand Is that the right OF the United
States to be the judge of its own obll-
cations and the fulnllment Of them be
recognized
The reply made TO this criticism Is
That the provision applies not only TO
/ The United States. but 10 overy national
In the league. and that what Is fair for
all.
Disarmament as provided for In
Article Eight Of the covenant Is another
section causing dissatisfaction. md a
demand for reservation. This pro-
vision reads.
ARTICLE s.-The members Of the
league recognize that the mainten-
anco or peace requires the reduc.
lion OF national armaments TO the
lowest point consistent with na-
tional safety and the enforcement
by common action OF international
obligations
Inc Council, taking account Of the
geographical situation and clrcum-
stances Of each State, shall formulate
plans for such reduction for the con-
sideration and action OF the several
governments.
such plans shall be subject TO re-
consideration and revision at least
every ten years.
After these plans shall have been
adopted by the several governments.
TIE limits OF armaments therein fixed
shall not be exceeded without the con-
currence OF the council.
THE members Of the League agree
that the manufacture by private enter
prise 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 being had 10
The necessities OF those members of the
lague which are not able TO MANN
facture the munitions and implements
OF war necessary for their safety.
The members OF the league under
take to interchange full and frank In
formation as TO the scale OF their arm
aments, their military. naval and air
programs and the condition Of such OF
their industries as arc adaptable to war
like purposes
The criticism directed against this
article IS that while IL discusses dis
armament. il does not really provide
for It. The fact that the councils
function is merely that OF drawing up
and submitting a plan, which may be
rejected by any government, is held by
league critics to be fatal defect in any
plan designed effectively TO dlsarm ma
ti0ns
Another criticism is that il the United |
States accepts this article, it will bind |
Itself to accept the orders Of the coun-
Gil, made up Of one American and eight |
foreigners, as to the size Of the Amer
lean army and navy.
But the leagues supporters contend |
that Article Eight goes as far towards
as the league could go.
and that nations entering the league In
good faith viii make the article effec-
tive by agreeing to the councils sug-
gcstions, unless they clearly run
counter 10 national safety And the
article does not invade American SOW
ereignty. they claim. because It leaves
to this government the option of ac-
cepting or rejecting the councils sug-
gcstiOns.
The sixth exception is taken to Article
10, which provides:
Article ~. The assembly may from
Time 20 time advise the reconsideration
by members Of the league OF treaties
which have become inapplicable. and
he consideration OF International con-
iitions whose continuance might en-