The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1920-11-26

world that allen territory trans
forred ~ a result of the war with
the central powers should be held
and administered in such a way as
TO assure equal treatment TO the
commerce and 10 the citizens OF all
nations. Indeed IL was in reliance
upon an understanding to this ef-
feet, and expressly In contempla-
ton thereof that the United states
was persuaded that the acquisition
under mandate OF certain enemy
territory by tho victorious powers
would be consistent with the best
interests OF the world
II H. assumed, accordingly that
your statements with reference to
Mandate 4, together with the state
ment that the draft mandates for
Mesopotamia and Palestine have
been prepared with "A view TO So
cure equality OF treatment for the
commerce aud citizens Of all states
which are members OF tho League
Of Nations. do not indicate a sup
position on your part that the
United states can be excluded from
tho benefits of that principle or
equality OF treatment.
find that his majesty's govern
ment is in full sympathy with the
principles formulated in it's com
munications % May IL and July IS.
But il is unable TO concur in the
view, contained In paragraph 10 or
your note, that tho terms OF the
mandates can properly be discussed
only in the council or the League
\ 81 AZ. -
the covenant Such powere as the
allied and associated nations may
enjoy, or WELD. in the determine
ton of the governmental status OF
the inundated areas, accrued to
them as . direct result of the war
against the central powers. The
United states, as participant IN
that conflict and as a contributor to
it's successful issue. cannot con-
slider any OF the associated powers,
the smallest not less than itself,
debarrcd from the discussion OF any
of it's consequences. or from par
ticipation in the rights and privi-
leges secured under tho mandates
provided for in the treaties OF
peace.
VOTES GOING TO LEAGUE.
This Government notes with in
terest your statement that the
draft mandates for Mesopotamia
and for Palestine, which have been
prepared with view TO sS>1lrt
equality OF treatment and oppor-
tunity for the commerce, citizens
and subjects OF all states which
arc members or the League Of Ma
tions. will. when approved by the
interested allied powers. be com
municatcd To the council OF tho
League OF Nations. The United
States is. undoubtedly, one Of the
powers directly interested in tho
terms OF the mandates, and there
fore request that the draft mandate
forms be communicated to this Gov
eminent for It's consideration be-
fore their submissio to the Council
OF the League. 1t is believed that
his majesty's government will be the
more ready to scquieSce in this re-
quest. in view OF your assurance
that his rajesty's government Is In
tull sympathy with the various
principles contained in the two
previous notes OF this Government.
upon this subject.
The establishment OF the man
date principle, a new principle in
international relations, and one
In which the public opinion OF the
world Is taking a special interest,
would seem to require the frank
est discussion from all pertinent
points Of view. II would seem es-
sential that suitable publicity
should be given to the drafts OF
mandates which it is the intention
to submit to the council. in order
that tho fullest opportunity may be
afforded to consider their terms in
relation to the obligations assumed
by the mandatory power. and the
respective interests Of all govern
ments. which are or deem Them
selves concerned or affected.
The fact cannot be ignored tina,
the reported resources OF Mesopo-
tamia have Interested public
opinion Of the United states
Great Britain and other countr;.s
as a potential subject of economic
strife. Because of that fact thew
become an outstanding illustra-
ton Of the kind Of economic oues-
ton with reference to which. the
mandate principle was especially
designed, and indeed a PECULIARLY
critical test OF the good faith OF
the nations, which have given
their adherence to the principIe
This principle was accepted in
the hope OF obviating in the fu
ture those International differ
enccs that grow out Of a desire
for the exclusive control of the
resources and markets OF annexed
territories. To cite single ex-
ample: Because OF the shortage OF
petroleum, its constantly increas.
ing commercial Importance and
the continuing necessity OF re-
pienishing the worlds supply by
drawing upon the latent resources
or undeveloped regions. II is OF
the highest importance to apply
to the petroleum industry tho
most enlightened principles rec
ogntzed by nations as appropriate
for the peaceful ordering of their
economic relations
HARD TO RECONCILE.
This government finds siffculty
in reconciling the special arrange
ment referred to In parae-anhs
IS and 10 OF your note,' and set
forth In the so-called San Reno
petroleum agreement. with your
statement that the petroleum re-
sources of Mesopotamia. and free