The Washington herald., 1920-01-24
Venizelos. Of Greece, Ex-
pected to Succeed Wilson
As Dominant Figure.
ENROLL GERMANY SOON
Sweden and Denmark APP
ply for Membership. as Do
Argentine and Chile.

London. Jan .a-Germany may be
admitted to the League OF Nations
within comparatively short time.
and be given a seat in the council
liz the sentiment developing in Brit
ish circles is reflected by other
powers.
In this connection IL was pointed
out that the only vacancy on the
council is that intended for the United
States. Furthermore, according to
the best opinion obtainable at the
League secretariat here. Premier
Vanizeles of Grece may succeed Pres
ident Wilson as the dominent spirit
of the League in the future.
The League covenant provides that
any self governing nation not named
in the annex may become a member
of the League, il its admission is
agreed to by two-thirds Of the as
sembly, provided that 1t shall give
effective guarantees of its sincere
intention to observe it's international
obligations. and shall accept such
regulations as may be prescribed by
the League in regard to It's military,
naval and air forces and arma-
ments." This was aimed at the
enemy powers, since the annex names
the original members and a group
of neutrals.
The opinion was expressed today
that IL would be a miracle" IL the
United States Joined the league be-
then. either Wilson or William How
ard Taft inevitably will become the
international leader. according to
general belief here. 1t was pointed
out that the secretary general, Sir
Eric Drummond. is British, which
makes 1t unlikely that this eoun-
try should Also cquire the leader
ship.
The league council. meeting here
within a short time, viii take up
several important questions before
calling the assembly. 1t has been
learned that Sweden and Denmark
have applied for membership. as
suming their parliaments will ap-
prove. Argentina, Chile and Para
quay also will be admitted at the
first assembly meeting IL they have
qualified.
Some question has arisen regard
ing the validity of Greece's mem
bership. since that country's failure
to ratify the treaty places 1t in the
same popsition as the United States.
In this event venizelos obviously
! would be omitted from considera-
tion foT leadership. leaving the field
open to Leon Bourgeois. France;
Lord Cecil and Lord Reading. Great
Britain. and Paul Hymans. Belgium.
1t would also create a vacancy on
the council, since Greece was named
as one of the original members.
Chiaa's status Questioned.
: The status of China also has
been questioned. 1t has not been
determined whether ratification of
the Austrian treaty. which does not
contain the Shantung settlement, is
sufficient qualification for member
ship.
The most difficult problem con-
fronting the league is disposition
of the Russian question. Second
in Importance. it is believed. is the
question of Constantinople. while
the third big problem is the eco
nomic situation. 1t is admitted the
last cannot be solved unless the
United States co-operates.
Drummond said he had not ac-
cepted the resignation of Raymond
Fosdick. American. as under secre-
tary general, sipce his appointment
was never conrmed. and therefore.
never existed.