New-York tribune., 1920-12-03

bound together. Whenever improve
meNtS IN the league covenant are sug-
gestcd these delegates always vote
against ;hem because their adoption
woOld also involve amending the treaty.
Representatives. of these one-time neu-
trails argue that there is no reason
why they should pay this respect TO a
document which they had no hand in
framing. This point of view was ex-
pressed before the Assembly session
toe day by President Motta. who said:
Permit NE to say here with abso-
lutte frankness that there is one argu-
ment which We cannot admit. This
argument is based on the fact thar
bound up together. The Treaty Of
Versailles is contract between Ger
tam parties and it is for them alone to
Cecide what notifications they desire.
Urges World Court at Once
But the covenant of the League Of
Nations should be a universal humani-
tartan work. ! should be lackin. III
my duty toward my country and TIE
ideals which | have always upheld if
dld not make -. position clear on the
subject of the amendments"
President Motta said that Switzer-
land was insstent that the court Of
International Justice should be set lp
as soon as possible. with compulsory
jurisdiction. This statement brought
immense applause from the delegates
All the small countries and most Of
the large ones are clearly in favor of
q strong international court
Delegates from France, Great Brit
ain and Japan Hoticeaby atstaincd
from applauding the Swiss Presi-
dents remarks. Compulsory jurisdic-
tlon would involve. at least in all
questions affecting the carrying out of
treaties. the execution of the courts
decree by a subcommittee of that
body. France particularly is opposed
to leaving the Treaty of Versai les t.
such weak methods of compelling full
tillment. Great Britain and Japan
stand by their ally. 1t is suggested
that the Allies would dislike being
summoned before the court of interna-
tional justice on the question of a
mandate raised by one of their subject
nations.
President Motta, however, wants the
court to have compulsory jurisdiction
emily to certain lengths.
II consider,' he said, that the inst-
tuition of q court Of international jus
ticc, with compulsory jurisdiction
within reasonable limits, would be one
Of the greatest signs Of progress in
international life
Seek to Amend Covenant
The delegates from almost every one
Of the fortyOne nations represented a
Geneva want to alter the covenant in
one way or another. Portugal and
Colombia gave notice at this mornings
session that they have formulated i'm
portant amendments. They want to
reserve the right TO present more sug-
gestions later. The Assembly has de-
clded to provide receptacle for these
passionate pro ,osals, and it voted by
resolution TO authorize the league
Council to name committee on
submitted by members. This commit
tee viii report to the Assembly at its
meeting next September. 1t is expect
ed that the question Of Americas OBJ
Jectlons to the covenant Will be
thrashed out by this committee.
Arthur j. Balfour, of the British
delegation, told The Tribune CORES
pondent after the session that. al
though the resolution as adopted by
1he Assembly referred only to pro
posals made by members Of the league,
he did rot believe there vas any
thlng to prevent the committee from
e'eei'io St e-ht ttulIHuS Oh lNp \ NltcU
States when these were made known.
Plan Attack on Article y
The battle over the adoption Of
amendments to TIN league is not yet
ended in the Assembly. n r. Rowell,
of Canada, to-day asked for a ruling
that only amendments thus Far pro-
posed were to be relegated TO the COM
lnlttec for report to the next meet
ing Of the Assembly. This move. taken
in conjunction with the dramatic OPP
position of Honorio Pueyrrdon. Of
Argentina, 20 the committees report, is
thought possibly TO oreshadow some
concerted action by Canada and South
America. ne Canadian delegates to-
night gave a banquet in honor of the
SOUTH Americans. 1t known that
Canada t. .Xious to propose striking
out Article
The present meeting of the Assembly
may. therefore. hold stll further sur
prses.
The committee on admission of new
states today considered Armcnia's ap-
plication, and, it is understood. came
o an adverse decision. The objection
held against Armenia was that she is
liable 20 be subject to mandate, and
that it was impossible for one coun-
try TO hold mandate over another
which was full member Of the league.
Tho committee refused Bulgaria's ap-
nhcatlon, DESPITE the supoYt Of Eng
land. France and South Africa. Serbia
and Greece opposed her admjsSi0