New-York tribune., 1920-11-15

Jorlty Of at least one in favor of the
distinguished parties. But when the
proposal came up Great Britain, New
Zealand, South Africa and Australia in
particular were opposed to giving away
the majority on this commission. On
the proposed commission Great Britain
would hold the strongest position, be-
cause the British Empire holds four Of
the seven votes given to the manda-
tarles. The other three are in the
hands of France, Italy and Japan. AS
the powers which signed the Treaty of
Versailles haven't themselves chosen to
keep to an opcn-door policy there is
little evidence that this league commits
SION with bare majority of one in
favor of the disntercsted nations
would be able to do so.
Belgian May Head Assembly
The first session of the assembly
will be short and formal. Adjourn
ment will be taken to permit the ex-
animation of the credentials of the
delegates. Every seat in the Hall of
Reformation, where the historic confer
ence Of forty-one nations is to be held,
has been allotted and many requests
for seats are untitled.
Paul Hymans, the Belgian, probably
will be elected president of the as
sembly because of his ability as par
lianscntarian and for other political
reasons. President Motto Of Switzer-
land has also been considered for the
oftice, but he has expressed unwilling
ness to accept
For few days the small nations
plan to follow a watch and wait policy,
reservlng action until they learn what
the representatives of the powers have
IN mind.
France Takes Positive Stand
The question of admitting Germany
pfopably Will not be taken up for some
time. One prominent member of the
Scandinavian group told the Tribune
correspondent that he didn't expect the
question to be considered until late in
the session, when the report Of the
committee on membership application
IS made. The French delegates have
taken positive stand. and France un-
doubtedly would withdraw from the
league If Germany should be admitted d
before the question of reparations is
finally settled. Otherwise, under Ar
ticle X. France would be unable to seize
German territory if the latter failed to
fulfill her treaty obligations
Although representatives. of the
sIlaller NatlonS Chat We're neutral dur
ing the WAY, as we'll as Great Britain.
argue that Germany has done all that
has been asked of her unde~ the treaty,
the French say that she has done so
only under continual compulson If
France should withdraw the effect
would be disastrous. and consequently
the greatest skill will be reqnired in
handling this question. it is said posi-
lively that no invitation VIII be eX-
tended by this assembly meeting to
Germany to join the league.
Prayers Offered for Leagues Success
Hjalmar Branting, the Swedish So
cialist, believes that the success Of the
league depends upon the adhesion Of
Germany but is inclined to postpone
the discussion Of the subject for a
week or more, or until the delcga tes
have begun to get together.
To-day was day Of special church
services in Geneva, in which prayers
were offered for the success of the
league. The synagogue joined with the
Christian churches in the ceremonies.
Lord Robert Cecil and George Nicoll
Barnes, Of the British delegation, read
parts OF the services at the English
church, where the British Empire dele
CATION attended en- masse.