Evening journal., 1920-10-29
r,vo LrAGuE vrRsIoNs on MoNRoE DOcTmNE.

A COVENANT Is contracts contract OF the most
N solemn character
league OF nations covenant is a contract between
nations entered after the most careful deoeralon
Il is fundamental principle in The Interpretation oil
contracts that where the language Is in doubt The doup
sha be resolved against the person be bound thereby
on the assumption that before entering into pe contract
he took every precautlon TO guard his interests
In morals II not in international law, such would be
the rule In lerpretng the language of league OF neuons
covenant
II would be assumed and rightly so, mat the United
States through s representatives. had taken due care 70
express clearly and fully all the limitations upon lis
responsibilities and duties and extent OF It's rights Lei
no Delaware voter forget the above facts
There were two texts OF the League Of Nations covenant
one in French and one in English, and both signed with
the agreement that both auth enc senator hardms
disclosed the amazing fact that The two texts do not
agree In that section relating to the Monroe Doctrine
The discovery OF this discrepancy leaves room lor
the apprehension that other discrepancies may exist
either In direct language in this case, or In nceues
OF translation which would leave for dispute as to
The real meaning
The French text declares that the Monroe Doctrine is
mot considered incompatible with any OF the provisions
OF the present pact"
THAT means that II the United states agrees 10 the
covenant and there shall be found conflict between
the Monroe and the operation OF the league the
Monroe Doctrine must yield, for It is agreed that the
Monroe Doctrine does not conflict and OF course The
later document must stand
The Monroe Doctrine is purely an American statement
OF policy.
The United states places ils interpretations upon
that doctrine.
But by agreeing that the Monroe Doctrine not in
compatible with ihe league OF nations covenant this
country would surrender the doctrine in any respect
where the council assembly Of The league found that
conflict existed.
The English declares that nothing in the covenant
shall be deemed 20 affect The validity OF regional under
standings like the Monroe Docltne
That was unsatisfactory way Of expressing exemp
ihe Doctrine from The effects OF the league
but as stated the French text the language is amos
In the direct opposite which would be desired b,
Americans.
The language in The English text pretends to assur
maintenance Of the Monroe Doctrine though Il makes
poor preiense. 4
The language in The French text that a1er study
ing all the provisions OF the covenant and placing on
interpretations the Monroe Doctrine, the America
spokesmen agree that the Monroe Doctrine Will no. b
held to conflict with the covenant
Under such IN agreement in any future controvers
under h league, it would properly be held eonstrun
NE agreement mos. strongly against the country TO
bound thereby that the United States had surrendere
every phase OF the Monroe Doctrine which seemed
conflict with The covenant
Just as every subsequent win supersedes earlier on
and iusl subsequent contract changes earlier on
with which Il ls in conflict so the league covenant
agreed TO BY the United slaes. would become amend