New-York tribune., 1919-07-15
S,canson, in Defending League, Holds
Treaty Guards World Against War

ritorial integrity and existing politi-
cal indeendence of all members of
the league. In case of any such ag-
gresslon or in case of any threat or
danger of such aggression the coun-
ell shall advise upon the means by
which this obligation shall be full
filled
Let us examine this section of the
covenant thoughtfully and dispassion-
ately to determine whether these OBJ
jections obtain and whether our bur-
dens or our benefits would exceed by
our acceptance. 1t should be noted
that this is an obligation assumed, not
by the league as an entirety, but by
each member individually.-. Each meni~
Der of the league undertakes, first, to
respect the territorial integrity and
existing political independence of all
members Of the league This is a
solemn promise made by each member
of the league that it will never en-
deavor to acquire by conquest or ag-
gression any of the territory or pos
sessions of any other member Of the
| league.
Territorial Rights Protected
assumed by each member of the league
terna. aggression the territorial integ-
rity and existing political independence
of all members OF the league This is
a natural corollary from the first. In
the former we undertake not to rob
our associates ourselves, and in this
we agree not to permit others to do
SO; each associate assuming a like OBJ
legation to us.
"Articlc | has the following pro
vision:
"Any member Of the league may,
after two years notice Of intention
SO, to do, withdraw from the league,
provided that all international obi
cations and all it's obligations under
this covenant shall have been ful
filled at the time of withdrawal
"The requirement of two years no.
tice is reasonable, as no member should
be permitted suddenly TO terminate SC
important an engagement. Neither
would it be lust for a member to es
cape its accrued international an(
covenant obligations BY withdrawing
Members that receive tic benefits o1
the league should also bear its burdens
Especially would the United State!
scorn to avail herself Of tie privilege
OF retiring from the league without
fully aNd honorah.T disctar@in4 every
obligation. The contention that thu
United States could not withdraw with
ont the unanimous coNsenc OF the coun
Gil Or assembly, the only bodies tha
can act for the league, is wholly un
lenablc. No power whatever is con
-erred upon either OF these bodies t,
act upon this question; no authorit
IS GIVEN anywhere TO compel the re
leAticM cy q member after giving tn,
1cn1,rod notice OF withdrawal
THUS, under this covenant, tn
United States, by giving notice o
withdrawal from the league, can limi
her obligations under this article ant
under the entire league, to a time no
Ear to exceed two years.
gins article can impose no burden
upon the United States from which sh
cannot IN reasonable time honorabl,
relieve herself, ii she is Sc disposed
Safe Settlement Essential
Gut, Mr.. President, honor, prudence
self-lntcrcst and national prestige
invaluable asscts-all demand that w
participate in the settlement of tn
present disturbance of the world pro
duced by war in which we were on
OF the most potential participants. Th,
war is not completed until such SAT-
and proper settlement is made.
"Thc assertion that this articl
would tend TO produce, instead of prc
vent, wars can not be sustained.
at should be note. mat whom j
this article VIC guarantee the terri
toria integrity of all members of tn
league, we receive at the same tim
from all of them like guarantee O
our territorial possessions. The obi
cation is mutual
"Considcrins TINS article, we shoul
also reflect that the Panama Canal. it
dcfenccs and the islands owned by u
in the Caribbean Sea are outlying to,
r'torles. requiring for their defenc