The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-17
OPEN DISCUSSION
 MA|NQUEST|0NAT
 LEAGUE SESSION
Private Committee With Sub- sequent Publication Finally Prevails After Heated
 Discussion
By Associated Press

'EtlieNd, NoVemper lb-tiow far the principle of open discussions might ap- ply to the work of the assembly of the League of Nations was question which furnished the feature of today's sessions. in a sharp debate two of the chief fig ures among the delegates. Lord Robert Cecil, representing South Africa, con tended for open meetings of the commit tees, as well as Of the full assembly. Rene Viviani Of the French delegation stoutly defended the parliamentary tradi- ton of private committee with subse- quent publication of the minutes. His views prevailed after prolonged dis cussion.
 Lord Robert pleaded strongly that the assembly make stand in favor of full openness of discussion when the question of committee work came up. M. Viviani pointed out that all precedents were to the contrary. In the dispatch of a mass of business before them, committees, he said, were obliged to talk questions over privately. Lord Robert retorted that British precedents differed from the French.
 A compromise finally was reached be tween them whereby the committees will be permitted to hold open sessions when they see fit, the minutes of the delibera- tions to be published as soon as possible after the sessions.
 Signor Tittoni of Italy, M. Niviani, Lord Robert Cecil and George Nieoll Barnes engaged in another lively clash after recess over the proposed rule that questions O nthe agenda would be con- sidered in the assembly with the com 7 niittees before the latter deliberated. MT. Barnes called attention to the im-, portance of committees having the views of the assembly on such important mat ter.s before they began work.
 MAKES ELOQUENT PLEA
 M. viviani strongly impressed the as sembly and gained the first sen-r applause since the opening or the speeches by an eloquent plea for great CT action aEd less discussion. He point ed out that under the rules all tues tions were to be discussed three times -once before reference to committee, once in committee and once again after, they were reported on. Signor Tit-ini's motion that the rule be eliminated and questions referred direct to committee without debate prevailed.
 Lord Robert Cecil and M. Vivilni were surrounded by animated groups in the front and center of the chamber. At the rear a group of neutrals con- ferred with Hjalmar Granting, the for mer premier of Sweden. nyhile Dr. F'ridtjof Nansen of Norway was very active, passing from group to groip.
 The developments in the morning de- bate seemed to support the latter view. A confused and prolonged conflict arose over the question whether sub stitute delegates would be allowed to sit in committee as well as the full as- sembly during which Paul Hymtns. the presiding officer, found his first occasion to make violent use of tl'e new gavel which replaced the .vory hammer with which he opened the 7s- sembiy yesterday
 Sir George Foster of Canada engaged in duel against the gavel in an at tempt to get an answer to ques Ion but the gavel won, Sir George icing forced to vote without further informa- ton.
 Another lengthy debate occurred on the election of the vice presidents. This brought viscount Ishii of the JapI sse delegation to his feet for the first time to question the right of the president to withdraw a proposition by Dr. Nan sen that at least three of the vice pres |idents to be elected should be non- European. Every one being agreed that Europeans should obtain proper consideration. yiscount 1shii withdrew his objection.
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