The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-09-17
President Tells How League
Would Affect Them.
Says IL Would Be Forum for
All Nations.
DOES NOT LIMIT U. S. POWER
U. s. Could Recognize Any
Peoples Independence.
Would Not Be Bound To Help
Put Down Rebellion.

on Board President Wilson'S Spe-
cial. Sept. 17.-Setting forth publicly
for the first time his Interpretation of
the League OF Nations covenant as 1t
affects ireland. President Wilson said
in a statement today that the League
would constitute a forum before which
could be brought all claims for self
determination, which are likely to af-
feet the peace OF the world
The covenant would not bind the
United States to assist in putting down
rebellion in any foreign country" he
asserted. nor would il limit the power
OF this country to recognize the indie
pendence Of any people who seek 70
secure freedom" He said Ireland's
case was not heard at Versailles be-
cause Il did not come within the Juris-
diction OF the peace conference.
The presidents statement was in re-
ply to a series Of questions sent to
him by the San Francisco labor coun-
Gil. II Is understood that within few
days he will reply similarly to ques-
lions put by other labor bodies regard
ing ShantunE and the representation
OF the British dominions in the league
assembly.
Questions and Answers.
The presidents statement detailing
the labor councils questions and his
answers follows:
nation obligate itself to assist any
member Of the League in putting down
a rebellion Of its subjects or conquered
peoples?
ANSWER-It does not
2-Under the covenant. can this ma
ton Independently recognize govern
ment whose people seek to achieve,
or have achieved. their independence
from a member Of the League?
ANSWER-The independent action
OF the government of the United States
in n matter OF this kind is in no way
limited or affected by the covenant
OF the League OF Nations.
3-Under the covenant are those
subject nations or peoples only that
are mentioned in the peace treaty en-
titled to the right of self-determina-
ton or does the League possess the
right to accord similar privilege to
other subject ~ations or peoples?
Forum for the World.
ANSWER-It was not possible for
the peace conference TO act with re-
gard TO the self-determlnation of any
territories except those which had be-
longed 70 the defeated empires but in
the covenant. OF the League OF Ma
tions, II has set up for the first time,
in Article II. a forum to which all
claims of self determination which are
likely to disturb the peace OF the world
or the good understanding between
nations upon which the peace of the
world depends can be brought.
why was the case OF ireland not
heard at tho peace conference? And
what Is your position on the subject
OF self differentiation for Ireland?
ANSWER-The case OF Ireland was
not heard at the peace conference be-
cause the peace conference had no
jurisdiction over any question of that
sort which did not affect territories
which belonged to the defeated en-
pire. Ny position on the subject Of
INSTRUMENTATION for Ireland is ex-
pressed in article IL of the covenant
in which I may say I was particu-
larry Interested because II seemed to
me necessary for the peace and free
dom Of the world that a forum should
be created. 10 which all peoples could
bring any matter which was likely to
affect the peace and freedom of the
world.
Labor organizations Of San Fran
circo. Los Angeles ana Portland asked