New-York tribune., 1919-06-11
Republican Senators Are
Virtually United in Sup.
port of Action; Borah
Declares His Approval
Hitchcock Asserts
Plan Lacks Votes
Measure Expected To Be
Passed Before the Final
Peace Pact Is Signed
By Carter Field
Near York Tribune
WQshin Buyenu

VuSVtugton burelu
WASHINGTON, June 10.-The plan
by which the Republican leaders of the
Senate intend to force. if possible, the
separation of the league of nations
covenant from the peace treaty. so as
to give the country time to consider the
advisability of joining the league with
out delaying resumption of peace with
Germany, was disclosed in the Senate
to-day
senator Knox, former Secretary of
State. introduced a resolution serving
notice on the peace conference that the
Senate not only would not ratify the
treaty provided it was at the same time
forced to approve the league of ma
tions covenant, but that under the Con-
stltution the Senate could not take
such step.
The resolution would place the SEN
ate on record as in favor Of an immedi-
ate peace with Germany, as consider
ing that the war aims of the United
States as expressed in the war declara-
tion mad been accomplished, and as de-
ferring consideration of the league
until later, when the American people
shall have had time to pass on il.
Assurance Given to Allies
Finally there is a statement calcu-
lated to appeal tremendously to France
and England, to the effect that if at
any time in the future the peace Of
Europe is again threatened, the Omitted
states will regard such a situation
with grave concern as a menace to it's
own peace and freedom, will consult
with other powers affected with a view
TO devlslng means for the removal of
such menace, and will, the necessity
arising in the future, carry out the
same complete accord and cooperation
with our chief -belligerents for the
defence of civilization"
The resolution was referred to the
Foreign Relations Committee. but An
almost immediate report is expected
SO that Senator Knox hopes to have
his resolution before the Senate. with
favorable report from the commit
tee, by the end of the week, and to
have it passed before the treaty is
signed in Paris.
The significance of the situation.
however, is that virtually every Repub-
ilcan in the Senate. save only Mr..
McFumber, of North Dakota, is in favor
OF me Knox resolution. The resolu-
ton was drafted after repeated con-
ferences between the Republican lead
ers and no shade of opinion among
the Republican Senators was over
looked in framing the resolution.
BOrah FayOrs ResoIuf;or
Even Senator Borah, who is so
strongly opposed to any "entangling
alliances" was consulted, and declared
tonight that he heartily favors the
Knox resolution
Senator Knox drafted the docuraent
not only after consulting his co.'s
leagues, but after reading the text of
the peace treaty as printed in "The
Congressional Record" this morning
and advising with other Republican
Senators about it,
The consensus of Republican opinion
is that the league of nations covenant
can easily be carved out of the treaty.
This is their view despite the predic-
tions made by President Wilson before
returning to Europe and despite the
confident assertion of Democratic lead
ers that the league and the treaty are
SO lnterwoven that they cannot be sep.
arated, and that it will be impossible
to conclude peace without accepting
the covenant for the league.
1T Is very simple matter and can
be accomplished easily" said Senator
Knox.
League Plan Suggested
The Pennsylvania Senator outlined
an amendment which he said would not
take more than three lines, which
would accomplish this result. His
would reserve to each ma
tion the right to pass on the question
OF its membership in the league at
some future date, and would provide
that all the duties and functions inn
posed in the treaty on the league
should be performed by some diplo-
matte mission.
Senators Lodge and Borah were out
spoken, after studying the text of the
treaty. that there will be no difficulty
in dividing the question, ratifying the.
peace treaty and postponing action on
the league until the American peops~
can study it.
Senator Reed, the most vigorous op.
ponent of the league on the Demo-
cratic side, declared that not only
could this be done but that it 'must
be DONE"
Senator Hitchcock voiced the view of
the administrator Senator's after they
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