Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1919-08-15


The much debated provisions of arti-
Gle x of the present covenant for guar
anteeing the territorial integrity of
league members is almost identical
with clause in the American draft.
The latter was as follows:
1.-THE contracting powers undertake
to respect and to protect as against
external aggression the political inde-
pendence and territorial integrity of
all states members of the league"
Said Nothing on Monroe Doctrine.
The American plan contained no pro-
vision for withdrawal from member
ship and made no reference to the
Monroe doctrine. 1t also contained a
provision not finally accepted under
which the league would Enquire into
the feasibility of abolishing compul-
sorry military service"
There also was a provision in the
American plan, omitted from the final
draft, which declared it ''fundamen-
tai covenant" that no power should
overstep international agreements for
rights on the high seas.
Many of the arbitration provisions
are virtually the same in the two
drafts. The American draft also con-
tained the plan finally adopted for a
council and larger assembly and en-
bodied disarmament program similar
to that in the final covenant. 1t also
provided for an economic boycott Of
covenant-breakerS.
In transmitting the American plan,
the president said no stenographic re-
ports were taken on the debates in the
League of Nations commission and
that such memoranda as were taken
1t was agreed should be confidential.
Refuses to Send Bliss Letter.
President Wilson refused to send the
senate copy of General Bliss state
ment concerning the Shantung settle
ment, on the ground that it contained
confidential reference to other govern
mentS.
I'm reply to the request" the presi-
dent wrote, '1et me say that General
Bliss did write me letter in which
he took very strong ground against the
proposed Shantung settlement, and
that his objections were concurred in
by the secretary of state and Henry
White.
"Rut the letter cannot properly be
described as protest against the final
icfn w
written before that decision had been
arrived at, and in response to my re-
quest that my colleagues on the COM
mission apprise me of their Judgment
in the matter. The final decision was
very materially qualified by the policy
which Japan undertook to pursue with
regard to the return of the Shantung
peninsula in full sovereignty to China.
Not Meant for the Public.
81 would have no hesitation in send
ing the senate copy of General Bliss
letter were it not for the fact that it
contains references to other govern
ments, which it was perfectly proper
70, General Bliss to make in conf
dental communication to me, but
which am sure General Bliss would
not wish to have repeated outside our
personal and intimate exchange of
views.
81 have received no written protests
from any officials connected with or
attached to the American peace COM
mission with regard to this matter"
Replying to a senate resolution ask
ing for information regarding any
treaty purporting to have been made
by Japan and Germany during the
progress Of the great war, the presi-
dent said he knew of no such negotia-
lions, though he had heard rumors con-
corning them.
Knew Nothing of Intimidation.
President Wilson also informed the
senate in response to another resolu-
tios that he was Happy to say" that
he had no memorandum or Informal
ton with reference to any attempt of
the Japanese delegates at Paris to in
timidate the Chinese peace delegates.
The presidents letter follows:
ST have received the resolutions of
tho senate, dated July Is and July II,
asking:
'First, for copy of any treaty pur-
porting to have been projected be-
tween Germany and Japan, such as
was referred to in the press dispatch
inclosed, together with any informa-
ton in regard to it which may be in
possession of the state department, or
any information concerning any nego-
tiations between Japan and Germany
during the progress of the war.
''In reply to this resolution, have
the honor to report that know of no
such negotiations.
II had heard rumors regarding such
negotiations" the president continues,
and adds that he was unable to con.
firm them.