The Washington times., 1921-09-08
SWEDISH ENVOY ASSALS LEAGUE COUNCIL FOR SECRET

direct brush with the Monroe Doc.
trine. For the first time since the
birth of the League. the question Of
whether II can or will interfere in q
strictly American dispute has been
raised by the differences between
Bolivia and Chile, both OF which coun.
tries are members of the League.
Bolivia demands that the League
assembly, now meeting at Geneva take
up and adjudicate the differences with
Chile which date far back in history.
The instrument on which specific ac-
ton is demanded is the Treaty Of 1904.
which Bolivia regards as detrimental
to her interests.
Chile Is Firm.
Chile has countered the Bolivian de-
mand with the contention that the
matter is q strictly American affair,
and has threatened to withdraw from
the League and invoke the protection
of the Monroe Doctrine IL the League
NEEDLES in the matter.
The League assembly has tempor'
arily ayerted the issue by postpontng
but definite action one way
or the other will have to be taken be.
fore the Geneva conference breaks up,
II is expected here, and the Leagues
Is awaited with absorbing in
terest by official and diplomatic Wash
ington.
Efforts to ascertain the attitude Of
the United States in case the League
decides to interfere were met today
with silence. from officials concerned.
They declare the position Of the
League already Is embarrassing
without fresh complications
being added by public pronouncements
L.. Ia - 10
II was admitted, however. that
should the League decide in Bolivia's
favor and endeavor to force its de-
cision upon Chile, such action would
give rise to an ugly situation between
the League and the United States. The
United States could hardly sit idly by
and see European troops landed In
South America to enforce an authority
which the United States does not
recognize. ~ .
May Dodge Issue.
The belief is general among high
officials Of the Administration that
the league will dodge the issue pre-
sented by the Chilean Bolivian con-
troversy. In the first place, article
81 Of the league recognizes the Mon
roe Doctrine as an established fact.
In the second place, II Is not believed
that the league would care 20 risk an
open test Of strength with this coun.
try over an issue that 30 little con-
Germs the welfare Of Europe. The
prevails that the issue will
be postponed at Geneva until the last
minute, and then in all probability
Bolivia's request for reconsideration
Df the treaty will be denied.
The outcome Of the case, neverthe-
ess, is being watched with keen in
.erest by the Administration and diplo-
mats here as the first test OF the
eague's authority in an American dis
pute.
LONDON. Sept. s. - President
new mandate note to the
League of Nations will not result in
the question Of mandates
,y the Allied powers, according to-
opinion advanced in official circles
here today.
1t is understood that France .nd
italy are determined to proceei> with
he mandate question, according to
he treaty Of Versailles. and viii re.
'use to renew the negotiations on
he subject.
Great Britain's position was sum-
ned up as follows by a we'll informed
political parsonage:
Great Britain greets the new
American mandate note with the
most pleasant smile. hut intends to
'orget the receipt of it."