, 1921-07-07
DON'T PICK A DEAD ONE.

The war between Greece and Turkey might serve
as a very excellent demonstration of the absolute USE
Iessness of the League of Nations, provided an OBJ
ject lesson were needed. 1t is, nevertheless, anus
ing to note the diplomatic futterirgs of the states
men of the powers who pay their membership dues
and kid themselves with the advantages the league
confers. European cables tell US occasional tales,
startling in character II you accepted them seriously.
You learn that Great Britain, in the Turko-Grecian or
Greco-Turkish war, is about to take a hand against
Turkey, if certain etiquette we're not observed Then
Britain, France and Italy have once more appealed
20 Greece to postpone her offensive and accept media
ton, in an effort to forestall war in Asia Minor. Then
would occur conferences between English. and French
foreign secretaries. Then a note to the King of
Greece, possibly another to the Sublime Porte. A
season Of pointing OUT by one premier to another.
All looking to a solution OF the turkish question: In
all this time neither the Turks nor the Greeks have
given the slightest intimation that they desire the
good offices of the powers which were worrying them
selves frantic about existing troubles.
In all these deliberations, apparently not one ref
erence has been made to that decrepit creation of
SHUTS, Cecil and Wilson, which was advertised as the
one and only liberator of the world from the thrall-
dom of war. Coincident with the Levantine turmoil
the league has been holding session, employing the
the ~Latin-American republics, endeavoring to alien
ate them from their attitude toward the United States;
but with respect to the Greco-Turkish question it has
not only remained silent but blind also.
Nevertheless, there is ample authority under the
league for interposition, or interference in the near
eastern question. Article II reads: "Any war, or
threat of war, whether Immediately affecting any of
the members of the league or not, is hereby declared
a matter of concern to the whole league, and the
league snail take any actlon tnaL may De deemed Wlse
and effectual to safeguard the peace of nations"
Great Britain, France, Italy and Greece are men,
bers of the league, the frst-naned being the godfather
of the blamed thing. None of them has sought the
leagues advice or cooperation; all of them have ig-
nored the league.
Article IT of thu league covenant provides: "In the
event of a dispute between a member of the league
and a state which is not q member of the league, or
between states not members of the league, the state
or states not members of the league shall be invited
to accept the obligations of membership in the league
for the purposes of such dispute, upon such condi-
tons as the council may deem just" But there is
not the slightest intimation that the league or the
council has rendered any such invitation to Turkey.
Under Article II, the league has evidently deemed
it the part of discretion to keep still; under article
IT to remain aloof.
At the same time the league has extended an invi-
tation to the United States to come in, and the hope
is expressed that we will at least be represented on
the international court. The cost of upkeep of the
league is truly Wilsonian in its extravaganza, which
suggests one reason why the organization wants US
init is soliciting contributions of American money.
Its accomplishment thus far has been absolutely mega
tive, which suggests one reason why We should shun
its faniliarities and continue 60 keep out We want a
live partner, not 4 dead one.