New-York tribune., 1919-01-24
Rigid " World League
Too Aduanced For
Present, Says Cecil

LONDON, Jan. %. Lord Robert
Cecil, who represents the British view
Of the subject of the league of nations,
believes the world has not yet reached
stage at which an absolutely rigid
system for the preservation of interna-
tlonal peace can be set Up according to
Reuters dispatch from the French
capital In discussing his idea Of the
form the league should take Lord Rob
ert says he thinks an international tri-
bunal with absolutely binding powers
is not practicable at present.
me creation of non-rigid interna-
tlonal machinery by which a council. by
cNertlng influence toward conciliation
may work will be the main strength of
future peacemakers," he said. such a
BODY must, however, possess at least
sufficient Internationally guaranteed
power to be able to prevent surprise
declarations OF war and to compel dis
lutants to accept delay, during which
forces of civilization may have time to
try to avert calamity
Must Respect Sovereignty
The interdependence of modern
states has become so great that no ma
ton can control its own affairs entirely
without regard to the effects of It's ac-
tons on other nations. 1t is important
TO proceed with the utmost respect for
national sovereignty. AT present cor-
tam international organizations. such
as posts and telesraphs, are regulated
by international agencies. Before the
war we had the Danube Commission,
the Rhne Convention and even interna-
tlOnal labor organizations
1T S easy to see that in future Ger
tam cities located on WATERWAYS will
have to be under international control.
which will guarantee free access to
them. Some of the new states formed
out OF the Austro- Hungarian Empire,
TOR example, cannot possibly have inde-
pendent access to the sea. Switzerland
Is, according to newspaper dispatches
considering plan which win give her
way 10 reach tidewater. Certain ma
tlons have strong interest in having
tree access to Salonica, but it is out Of
the question for them to plan posses
sion Of that port. The most important
example OF this kind. of course. is that
OF the Dardanelles and the Bosporus.
Delay Is Leagues Resource
"These examples of international
agencies which are necessary lead natu-
rally TO d new organization, the obicc.
OF which Will be the welfare of the ma
tions of the world
Delay which can give opportunity
FOR discussion and Cancellation will be
the main resource of the league in deal
ing with disputes in which the vital in
terests OF great nations are involved
AS IN the peace congress, the ultimate
decision must rest with the great pow
ers, since, as last resort, the league
can enforce its decisions only by the
military power which will always be
possessed by the great nations"
Speaking of the attitude of other
powers represented at the congress
Lord Robert said he had found in con.
versations with delegates that there
was IN very large measure an agree
ment on the principles he had outlined
In case of smaller disputes between ma.
tlons, there is no reason, he said, WHY
they should not be settled by an inter
national tribunal
Public Opinion the Basis
"ln general, the power on which the
league must mainly rely will be public
| opiHlon,D ne continued "and it is for
TINS reason that the power imposing de
lay on disputants is so important"
Lord Robert said he favored the
establishment of permanent interna
e'onai council of the league, which
would sit at place agreed upon Above
this' he sad, there should be a superior
council, consisting of Premiers or i'm
portant members of various national
governments, which might meet regu-
iarly and during the next few years
very frequently
New states formed out Of the wreck
Of the Austro- Hungarian monarchy
Lord Robert said, could be admitted to
the league without difficulty as soon as
settled yOYcfnmcnta were nstahlia had