Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-12-10
\ Treaty, but Not a Covenant

a CCOSDlNG to information which the
a President has privately transmitted to
members OF the Senate in order to remove
their distruSt of speculative stories regard
ing the secret proceedings OF the arms con-
ference, this government does not propose
to become a party to any alliance, treaty
or other compact that in any sense en-
tnngles America in foreign affairs.
1t is the purpose of this government.
however. to join with Great Britain France
and Japan in quadrilaternl agreement to
observe and maintain certain conditions in
world affairs which may now exist or may
hereafter exist This agreement, It is added,
according to Washington dispatches, will
impose no international obligations upon
America or effect any guarantees.
In order TO gain congressional sanction
for what may be evolved. it is further stated,
the agreement or agreements may be en-
bodied in a treaty series of them and
submitted to the Senate for ratification.
Moreover. the House also may be asked to
give its approval by means of n resolution
OF Endorsement proceeding probably un-
precedcnted in American parliamentary
annals.
This is, indeed, an interesting bit of
news. II would not be At all remarkable, Of
course, for the President to confide to GER
tain Senators advance information regard
ing the work of the conference. He is prob
ably acting with wisdom in spreading his
plans informally before those members OF
the Senate who might otherwise be counted
upon to oppose the policies to be presented.
But how this country may participate in
international settlements by means OF
treaties and not at the same time bind it
self to carry out the terms OF those settle
ments is an almost incredible proposition.
\ treaty is treaty 1t is contract be-
tween nations under which each engages
to do certain specified things. When ma
tions so engage they covenant among them
selves 10 a given end.
1t is, therefore, difficult to understand
when n treaty is not treaty that is. when
ii is not Il covenant contract. Presi-
dent Harding would be we'll within his pre-
negatives If he approved an exchange of
notes between the United States and other
powers recognizing certain conditions. This
is an old and well-cstap!ished diplomatic
practice. Moreover. there lave been ex-
changes OF protocols between governments
which did not take the form of treaties, but
which were recognized as binding upon the
parties at interest.
If the President in arriving at an agree
mcnt during the Washington conference on
the Far East, for example should insist upon
putting the terms of such an agreement in
writing, by means of an exchange of public
notes. he would he acting in accordance
with diplomatic usage, but if he goes step
further and submits such a document to
the Senate for ratification. labelling it a
treaty, he undoubtedly will propose con-
tract and will ask for its approval
If this government concludes treaty
with the other powers as a result of the
present conference. it should proceed frank
| ~ about the business and assume such OBJ
| legations as might be involved. Quibbling
about so vital matter would be indefen-
| sble. y treaty is treaty and an obliga-
| tion is an obligation. however they may be
camouilagcd.