The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-11-16
Geneva Assembly Settles Down
to Talk Fest.
Considers Applications From
Enemy Nations Now.
SIDESTEP AMERICAN PROBL EN-
Monroe Doctrine Question VIII
Not Be Discussed.
South American Nations With
draw Treaty RevisiOns.

Geneva. Nov. 16-The League of Ma
tions assembly today began function
ing as a debating society"
The assembly organized for work
with the formation of committees to
study agenda brought before it by the
members
The British plan for twelve vice
presidents was adopted, the Japanese
delegation insisting that at least three
should be non-European. Viscount
Ishii was assured by President Hy-
mans that the league would see his
demand was granted.
Want Open Diplomancy.
Lord Robert Cecil, representative of
South Africa, demanded the assembly
put itself on record as favoring open
diplomacy. He also asked an immedi-
ate examination into Armenian affairs.
Publication of the Polish-Lithuanian
report also was demanded.
The decision to appoint six commit
tees to study agenda was accompanied
by plan to rank the chairmen as
vice presidents of the assembly.
The assembly ruled that the minutes
of these commissions shall be pub
lished Immediately while the commits
sioners themselves may decide on pub
Are Hearing Reports.
With the formalities of elections and
commission appointments and the SEN
timentalities of a message to Presi-
dent Wilson, greetings to King Albert
and the wreathing of the Rosseau
statue disposed of. the assembly was
ready for real business.
Today, officers of the league council
submitted a report of it's work for the
past year. Debate over this was ex-
pected to occupy the entire day. The
council undertook final action on a
number of projects naturally belong
ing to the assembly and the latter now
will be asked to approve the decisions
Consider Enemy Applications.
The assembly settle one matter yes
! terday by deciding TO consider appli-
sion.
All danger that the assembly of the
League of Nations may encroaef1 on
the Monroe doctrine by considering
American questions in the absence of
the United States has been averted by
the withdrawal of a request by Bolivia
and Peru for revision of treaties with
Chile Their requests were withdrawn
yesterday, it having been Bolivia s
purpose 20 gain access to the sea and
Peru's to secure reconsideration of the
veXing Tacna AFRICA question.
1t is not expected that any other
American questions with dangerous
possibilities will come before the pres
ent session of the assembly. Six com
mittees charged with dealing with all
questions on the agenda began work
today. Each committee has forty-one
members, all the nations having dele
gates at the meeting being represented.
1t is reported that South American
delegates have agreed the League of
J Nations should do all it can to get the
I United States to become a member.
! Argentina is regarded as a strong
( candidate for representation on the
council of the league, the four elective
members of which will be chosen by
the assembly after receiving the re-
port of the committee on general or
+ ganization-
/ Washington Not Stirred.
Washington. Nov. 16.-Considera-
ton of the Tacna AFRICA dispute be-
tween Chile, Peru and Bolivia by the
! League of Nations would not be re-
garded by the American government
as an encrOachment of the league on
the Monroe doctrine. according to
state department officials. When the
announcement was made that the
question had been referred TO the
league. satisfaction was expressed by
; administration officers. A settlement
of this long standing controversy has
been earnestly desired by the United
States.
1t has been pointed out at the state
/ department that settlement by such
a means would not be without prece-
dent. as the king of England and the
king of Spain have acted as arbiters
in Soutls American boundary ques-
tions in the past. 8.
4! The administra tons attitude with
respect to the Monroe doctrine has
been based upon the literal interpreta-
ton providing against any territorial
| arrressinr in South America.