The Washington herald., 1920-11-17

BATTLES new
First Clash at Geneva Re-
suits in Compro-
mise.

y GENEVA, Nov. 16-old world
diplomacy clashed with the new to-
day in the league of nations assem-
bly, :. 1t resulted in a compromise
whereby assembly commissions,
threshing the data submitted by
member nations with their prob
problems. will publish their minutes
daily. deciding for themselves on Sc
cret or public sessions.
Old world diplomats, headed by NJ.
Viviani, of France and Tomaso. of
Italy. argued for secret sessions OF
the commissions. New world dipio-
mats wanted open hearings.
Fight Over Vice residents.
There was a sharp fight over the
project of the British delegation 10
increase the number of vice presi-
dents to twelve. The delegation.
with the help of dominion repre-
sentatives. accomplished their OBJ
ject. Japan led in obtaining an
understanding that at least three of
the vice presidents shall be non-
Europeans.
by CARL w. ACKERMAN.
GENEVA. Nov. 1s.-The second
session of the eague OF nations
assembly added Goals to the fires
Of enthusiasm burning in the hearts
of the delegates of these forty
two nations. Everywhere one goes
one hears the same expression.
This assembly is very much
.aAtsssssr.Sae.suesaeE Enssnh fsssE,
delegate, VINO has taken pr6mi-
nent part In the work OF the lib
eral wing OF the league assembly.
was defeated late in todays session
in his endeavors to have the as
sembly, while still fresh, young
and vigorous" express itself on all
important questions before re.
ferring them tc assembly commit
tees.
viviani Leads Conservatives.
n. vivianl who came forward
as leader Of the more conservative
wing OF the assembly. in the first
passionate grafton of the assembly.
argued against Mr.. Barnes.
IF the assembly attempts to
instruct committees on all i'm
portant questions" he said. I'VE
will tie the hands of the commit
tees and public opinion will become
impatient IL we continue our dis
cussions indefinitely.
Today was another decisive one in
the League Assembly and again the
liberal forces, led by Lord Robert
Cecil and coached by DR.. Fridjof
Nansen. gained a victory over the
old order in the matter of giving
publicity to the minutes of the
meetings of the six important as
sembly commissions.
Open to Full Examination.
Although the final resolution was
a compromise between the opposing
viewpoints of Lord Robert Cecil and
Rene viviani. French delegate, Lord
Robert declared tonight that in his
opinion the work Of the committees
Of this assembly, in contrast to the
open to full public examination.
He urged the representatives of
the British and American press to
unite in presenting a request to the
assembly that all important commit
tee meetings should be open to the
press In case an effort is made later
on to discuss big isues behind clooed
doors The strongest argument for
full publicity was put forth by Sir
James Allen, of New Zealand, sup
porting Lord Robert Cecil.
He said: Those who signed the
peace treaties evidently looked upon
enlightened public opinion as one OF
the most. II not the most, impor-
tant factors in connection with
peace. The spirit which permeates
the treaties OF peace must live in
this assembly IL 1t is to play a part
in the education>of public opinion
and IL II Is to be the most potent
factor for the peace and good will
OF the wogld."
Former Premier viviani's objec-
tons were mainly to public sessions
Of the commissions and his amended
motion reads:
The commission shall keep a
register Of their deliberations, min
utes OF which shall be published as
soon as possible and any member
OF the assembly will be ar liberty
to consult such documents should
he wish to do so.''
The American State Department is
being kept fully advised of the
proceedings of the league assembly
oy the American Legation at Berne.