New Britain herald., 1919-09-17
for First Time Why Ireland's De- mands Did Not Come Before Peace Confer enCe
QUESTION HAD NO
 PLACE AT SESSION
San Francisco Labor Council Sends Series of Questions, Which President Promptly Answers.

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 It affects Ireland, President Wilson said in statement today that the league would constitute a quorum before which could be brought all claims for self determination which are likely to affect the peace of the world.
 Explains Conference Action.
 "The covenant would not bind the United States to assist in putting down rebellion in any foreign country he asserted, nor would it limit the pow CT of this country to recognize the in dependence of any people who seek to secure freedom He said Ireland $ case was not heard at Versailles be- cause it did not come within the jurisdiction of the peace conference.
 Plans Other Explanations.
 The presidents statement was in re- ply to series of questions sent to him by the San Francisco labor council. It is understood that within few days he will reply similarly to the ques- tions put by other labor bodies re- garding Shantung and the representa- tion of the British dominions in the league assem- bly, Replying directly to a question as to his attitude toward self-determination for Ireland, MT. Wilson said his position was expressed in article Il of the covenant, under which it is declared that any member nation can call the attention of the league to any circumstance whatever affecting international relations which threatens to disturb international peace Cor the good understanding be-
 
 pends."
 Will Not Put Down Rebellion.
 The presidents statement detailing the labor councils questions and his answers follow:
 1-JTnder the covenant does the na- tion obligate itself to assist any mem Der of the league in putting down re- bellion of it's subjects or cO..,.t u2reu peoples
 Answer: It does not.
 2-Under the covenant can this na- tion independently recognize a govern ment whose people seek to achieve or have achieved their independence from a member of the league?
 Action of U. s. Not Limited.
 Answer: The independent action Of the government of the United States in a 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 selfdetermina tion. or does the league possess the right to accord a similar privilege to other subject nations or peoples?
 Answer: It was not possible for the
 
 to the self f-determination of any terri tories except those which had belong ed to the defeated empires, but in the covenant in the league of nations 1t has set up for the first time ln article II a forum to which all claims of self determination which are likely to dis turb the peace of the world or the good understanding between nations upon which the peace of the world depends can be brought.
 The Question of Ireland.
 4-Whv was the case of Ireland not heard at the peace conference? And what is your position on the subject ot seIf-determination 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 the sort which did not affect territories which belonged to the defeated em- pires My position on the subject of se1f-determination for Ireland is ex- pressed in article il of the covenant in which I may say I was particularly interested because it seemed to me necessary for the peace and freedom of the world that a forum should be created to which all peoples could bring any matter which was likely to affect the peAce and freedom of the world.