New-York tribune., 1919-01-10
Cecil Says League
Is Necessary First
StepToward Peace
Asserts World Union Also
Is Needed as Initial Move
For Proper Treatment of
Problems Caused by War

Problems Caused by War
PARIS, Jan. s (By The Associated
Press) ).-Lord Robert Cecil, who has
arrived here with the first section Of
the British peace delegation, expressed
the opinion to The Associated Press
to-day that the definite organization of
8 league of nations is indispensable as
a first step toward the conclusion of
an enduring peace and satisfactory
settlement of international problems
which have arisen out Of the war
Lord Robert made it clear that his
statements We're personal views, and
not an attempt to give the views of
the British government
"In my opinion, league of nations
is necessary as the initial step in the
peace negotiations" said Lord Robert
"lt is not only necessary to insure
peace, but also for the proper treat
ment of many international questions
which must be considered by the peace
congress. Joint international action
in an organized and recognized form is
of people who are at this moment des-
titute of food and other necessaries of
life owing to the unsettled condition
of the world; to regulate permanently
many vital common interests such as
international railways, posts, water
ways, telegraph and wireless, the use
of the air, public health and tho pro-
lection Of women and Juveniles in in
dustry; and to discharge adequately
and justly the sponsibilities of the
great civilized nations in such a great
matter as the protection and guidance
of backward peoples. 1t is the sum of
all these recognized joint activities,
interests and responsibilities that we
call by the name Of league Of nations.
Should Give 1t Form Now
"It is our business to give this league
definite form here and now"
Lord Robert made it clear in his
talk that he has little sympathy with
the view that the peace congress may
gradually drift into prolonged ses-
league of nations without being def
nitely and positively organized.
81 agree that this congress must re-
gard itself as the first regular meeting
of the nations forming the league. he
said, "but think it would be danger
Gus policy to let the peace congress
drift along aimlessly without reach
ing a positive organization. Leaving
things open is hazardous and gets one
nowhere. This impresses me as being
time for the creation of body which
will be effectively organized, and not
allowed to drop into inaction. We are,
moreover. anxious not to commit the
democratic peoples to responsibilities
they are not prepared, deliberately and
consciously, to accept. 1t is, therefore,
important to avoid vagueness and to
define our policy clearly and openly"
Asked how far armaments can be
limited by league Of nations, Lord
Robert replied:
Armaments Knotty Problem
"That, in my opinion, is probably
congress will face. Before national
government had effective police organi-
cations it was impossible to prevent
individuals from carrying arms to pro-
tect themselves against outlawry. Laws
against the carrying of firearms could
not be enforced until the necessity for
carrying them ceased to exist. SO it
is with the league. Individual nations
will hardly be willing to disarm until
they are sure of peace and justice
through the operation of the league.
Moreover, how can any limitation of
armaments be actually enforced? What
assurance can we have. for instance,
that Germany will not create an army
more or less secretly?
"The world did not know how ex-
tensively Germany was preparing for
war. She might develop another force
under the guise of militia. These are
the difficulties we have to face, but we
must endeavor earnestly to secure CO.
operation between the powers repre-
sented at the congress in a broad policy
of rehabilitation which will correspond
with the yearnings of all peoples to be
relieved as soon as possible from the
burdens they have borne for these last
four and one-half years."
When asked if the conditions were
the same with naval forces, Lord Rob
crt replied in the affirmative.
"Natons do not build navies for Of
fensive purposes" he said "They
build them for defensive purposes, fol
police duties. Here again is grea,
scope for cooperation and arrangement
between the powers represented at the
peace congress"