Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-02-14
DRAFT OF LEAGUE OF NATIONS
AS PRESENTED AT PEACE TABLE

securities for the performance of this trust should be
embodied in the constitution of the league.
The best method of giving practical effect to this
principle is that the tuteage Of such peoples should
be ntrusted to advanced nations who, by reason Of
their resources their experience their geographical
position, best undertake this responsibility, and
that this tutelsge should be exercised by them As
mandatories on behalf of the league.
The character Of the mandate must differ accord
ing to the stage Of the development Of the people, the
geographical situation of the territory its economic
conditions and other similar circumstances.
Certain communities formerly belonging to the
Turkish Empire have reached stage Of development
where their existence independent nations be
Professionally recognized subject to the rendering of
administrative advice and assistance by mandatory
power until such time they are able to stand alone
The wishes Of these communities must be prin-
cipal consideration in the selection Of the mandatory
power.
Other peoples, especially those of Central Africa,
are at such a stage that the mandatory must be
responsible for the administration of the territory
subject conditions which will guarantee freedom Of
conscience religion subject only to the maintenance
Of public order and morals the prohibition of abuses
such as the slave trade, the arms traffic and the
liquor traffic. and the prevention Of the establishment
Of fortifcations military and naval bases and Of
military training of the natives for other than police
purposes and the defense Of territory and will also
equal opportunities for the trade and
of other members Of the league.
There territories, such as Southwest Africa and
certain of the South Pole ises which, owing to the
sparseness of their population or their small size
their remoteness from the centers Of civilization,
or their geographical continuity to the mandatory
state and other circumstances, be best ad-
mnistered under the laws Of the mandatory
state integral portions thereof, subject to the
safeguards above mentioned, in the interests Of the
indigenous population.
In every of mandate, the mandatory state
shall render to the league annual report in refer'
ence to the territory committed to its charge.
The degree of authority, control or administration
to be exercised by the mandatory State SHALL if not
previously agreed upon by the high contracting par
ties in each be explicitly defined by the
tive council in special act or charter.
The high contracting parties further agree to es-
tablish at the seat of the league mandatory COM
mission to receive and examine the annual reports
Of the mandatory Powers and to assist the league in
ensurng the observance of the terms of all mandates
ARTICLE Xxx
The high contracting parties will endeavor to
and maintain fair and humane conditions of
labor for men, and children, both IN their
own countries and in all countries to which their
commercial and industrial relations extend, and to
tion of the leagu permanent bureau of labor.
ARTICLE XXI .
The high contracting parties agree that provision
shall be made through the nstrumentality of the
league to and maintain freedom of transit
and equitable treatment for the commerce of all
States members of the league, having in mind,
among other things, special arrangements with
regard to the necessities of the regions devastated
during the war of 1914-191s.
ARTICLE XXI
The high contracting parties agree to place under
the control of the league all international bureaus
already established by general treaties if the parties
to such treaties consent. Furthermore, they agree
that all such international bureaus to be constituted
in future shall be placed under control Of the league
ARTICLE XIII
The high contracting parties agree that every
treaty or international engagement entered into
hereafter by any State member of the league shall
be forthwith registered with the secretary general
and as soon as possible published by him. and that
such treaty or international engagement shall be
binding until SO registered.
ARTICLE XIV
1t shall be the right of the body of delegates from
time time to advise the reconsideration by States,
members of the league of treaties which have become
inapplicabe and of international conditions of which
the continuance may endanger the peace of the world
ARTICLE XIV
The high contracting parties severaly agree that
the present covenant is accepted abrogating all
obligations inter which inconsistent with the
terms thereof; and solemnly agree that they will not
hereafter enter into any engagements inconsistent
with the terms thereof. In case any of the Powers
signatory hereto subsequently admitted to the
league shall, before coming party to this covenant
have undertaken any obligations which incSnsist
ent with the terms of this covenant, it shall be the
duty of such Power to take immediate steps to pro-
cure its release from such obligations.
ARTICLE XVI
Amendments to this covenant will take effect when
ratified by the States whose representatives compose
the executive council by three-fourhs of the States
whose representatives compose the body of delegates.