The sun., 1919-03-28
PREMIER GIVES
AN ULTIMATUM
Hughes Says Australia Will
Never Let Down the Bars
for Yellow Races.
SEES FLAW IN COVENANT
If Amendment Means Moth
ing. He Contends, Then
Neither Does Paris Plan.
BY tho Associated Press.

PARIS. March 27.-William NJ. Hughes.
statement to the Associated Press to-
day that he was unalterably in oppoa-
ton to the proposed Japanese racial
equality amendment to the covenant
Of the League OF Nations or to any
form Of it, however mild, in recogniz-
ing that principle.
Australia" Mr.. Hughes said, can
not accept this proposal, which strikes
at the very roots Of the policy that We
have maintained so long, which is vital
to our existence and which we have
guarded as zealously as has America
her Monroe Doctrine.
II am most anxious TO avoid any
thing likely to hurt the susceptibilities of
the people OF other nations but on this
point, since We cannot give way, II lie
best that should speak plainly. We
cannot agree to the insertion of any
words in the covenant or in the treaty
of peace that would impair or even ques-
ton our sovereign rights in regard to
any and every aspect Of this question.
Points TO Leagues Principles.
"One of the cardinal principles of the
league Is that there shall be no interfer-
ence In the internal affairs OF any ma
ton. No nation will surrender its SOW
eretsnty in matters essential to It's well
fare to enter the league.
Il cannot but regard the proposed
amendment as an effort TO establish
principle under which ultimately some
nations would find their internal policy
challenged by the league al the instiga-
tion of one of it's members. The amend
ment is one which. no matter how innoc-
uous II may seem In form. is certainly
aimed at giving the league control Of
questions relating TO immigration. nat
uralization and matters. which cannot
be surrendered by any state without such
impairment of its sovereignty as TO make
il, in effect. a subject state.
"lf the league IL able to compel a
state TO amend Its immigration, natural
izatlon and franchise laws there remains
to the state only the shadow of sover-
eighty. The substance has gone.
NO free nation could agree TO dicta-
ton IN such matters from the League Of
Nations. Intimate problems belong to
and must remain under the control Of
individual nations
"Of course. We are told by those who
advocate this amendment that nothing
more is desired than the mere recogni-
tion of the principle. They say that no
action Is contemplated. l am afraid that
this assurance will not reconcile the peo-
pie OF Australia to the proposal. Ii GER
tainly does not satisfy me.
Either the proposal means something,
or nothing. II nothing, then why insert
It? II something, then surely this some
thing will not be achieved by mere
words, stopping for all time short OF aC-
tion, If these words which II Is desired
to insert in the covenant mean nothing
to insert in the covenant mean nothing,
But | hope and believe that the
covenant so far as II is. or will be-
means extending the rule OF law into the
spheres OF International dispute means
a great deal, that contempiates and pro-
vdes for action. as do all other legal
documents municipal and International.
Believing this I cannot accept the sug
gestion that the amendment proposed
means nothing and differs In essence
from the other provisions OF the pact.
Australians Feel IL KeenIy.
"The people of Australia feel very
keenly on this matter. We feel,
imagine, as your people ol 40.
do not pretend to know intimately the
sentiment of America. but my observa-
tions have led me to the belief that the
Pacific coast would be as much op-
posed to this amendment as would the
citizens OF Australia.
Without committing myself to the
draft OF the League of Nations. which.
of course. has not yet been discussed
by the Conference and whicrr hope and
believe will be amended in certain di-
rections, ! have no hesitation in declav-
ing myself in favor OF tho attempt to
substitute the rule OF law and right for
that OF force. feel sure. however. ths t
Australia could not sign the covenant
II it contained any such amendment as
is proposed.
Words matter little. The amend
ment will be unacceptable no matter
how drafted, for II strikes at the root Of
n policy vital to the existence and ideals
NJ Australia and il cannot be agreed