The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1919-08-19

become part of the act of
INTERPRETATIONS EXPLAINED.
Washington, D. c., Aug. 19.-Presi-
dent Wilson told the foreign relations
at the outset OF his confer
ence today that he could see no "rea-
sonable objections" to Interpretation
as to how the United States accepts
the league of nations, provided such
did not form a part
Of the formal ratification itself.
If interpretations were part of the
formal ratification, the president con-
tended, long delays would follow as
other governments would have to "ac-
cept In effect the language of the SEN
ate as the language of the treaty be-
fore ratification would be complete"
Most Of the Interpretation, the presi-
dent said, seemed to him to suggest
plain meaning of the instrument
ITSELF
Article 10 Not Doubtful.
The much discussed article 10, the
president told the senators, was not
of doubtful Interpretation when read
in connection with the whole cove
nant. The council, he said, could
only advise" and as it's action must
be unanimous the affirmative of the
United States would be necessary for
any question affecting it.
Article 16, the president said, pro-
vided that where there is dispute
found to be solely within the jurisdic-
ton of one Of the parties under inter-
national law the league council shall
solely so report and make no recon-
mendation for its settlement. Immi-
grafton, tariffs and the like, the presi.
dent said, clearly came under that
provision. ~,
The president told the committee
the league council would have moth
ing whatever" to do with the deciding
whether the United States had full
filled its obligations in case of with
drawal from the league.
Complete Freedom Of Choice.
Wilson said the United States would
have complete freedom of choice as
to the application of force" in carrying
out article 10 Of the league covenant.
Replying to Senator Fall, who sug-
gested that as Germany was not
member Of the league of nations
amendments to the league covenant
would not be submitted to her and she
would not have to give her consent,
the president said II will admit that
point had not occurred to me. No, she
would not"
Discussing article II under which
the league could take any action
deemed appropriate" in case war oc-
cured or was threatened, the presi-
dent said the action contemplated also
would rest entirely on a moral Obli-
CATION,
HOW PLAN WAS BUILT.
The plan for the league finally sub
mitted in Paris, the presidnt said,
had been built up first from plan
drawn by British committee headed
by q Mr.. Philmore and later includ-
ing ideas from plan drawn by Cen
eral Smuts.
His own private redraft of the Phil
more plan, the president said, was not
submitted to the American peace COM
mission. He had seen Secretary Lam
sings proposals only informally.
Attitude Toward Indemnity.
For the moral asset he thought it
would give the United States not to
participate in the German indemnity.
the president said, he had suggested
that that not be done but he ad-
ded, in reply to questioning, that his
idea did not refer to pre-war claims
such as the sinking OF the Lusitania.
The president said in answer to
questions, he had no way OF knowing
whether Germany placed the same
construction on the articles as did the
allies.
Senator McCumber asked whether
other governments could not accept
interpretations by "acquiesence."
The president thought that there
either would have to be "expliit &C
quiesence" or stipulated time IN
which the United States could know
whittier acquiesence was given.
Germany Must Approve Changes.
Any change in the treaty would have
to be resubmitted to Germany, the
president said in reply to Senator
Pittman.
Senator Lodge said it was his un-
derstanding, however, that any reser-
vations which applied to the United
States rather than to the others
would, under international practice, be
understood as acquiesence If other sig
natories we're silent.
Replying to Senator Lodge, the
president said he had not looked up
authorities on the point but felt that
in a treaty involving so many sig
notories reservations by others would
follow, and the effect Of the treaty
would be obscured. If Germany, for
instance, remained silent in regard to
reservation and later contended 1t
did not affect her, the president
thought, her position could not be
"justifiably disputed
Only a Moral Obligation.
Replying to Senator Borah, the pres
ident said the provisions of article 1o
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