The New York herald., 1921-02-24
SENATORS PLEASED
WITH COLBY'S NOTE
Final Settlement of War Left
Open for Harding.
SPECIAL Despatch to THE New YORK HERkLp.
New York Herald Bureau,
Washiuntou II. q. Feb. "a |

New York Herald Bureau,
Washington, ID. G., Feb 23.
Members of the Senate Foreign Rela-
fions Committee to-day appraised favor
ably the note stating the position OF the
United States regarding mandates which
Secretary of State Colby sent to the
League of Nations Council, as being OF
the utmost Importance IN suggesting
the possible future attitude Of the United
States toward commitments made by
the league. The general tenor Of the
note is interpreted by members of the
Senate as being a vigorous declaration
of Intention on the part OF the United
States to demand recognition in settle
nents growing out OF the victory over
Germany, which the Government and
people of the United States aided in
bringing about. There is 70 reason to
believe the present Administration is
acting upon Suggestions of what the
Harding policy will be. but the Colby
note is expected to keep the situation
reasonably open. so that it can be dealt
with by Mr.. Harding and his Secretary
of State
There is full appreciation of the ironic
humor in a situation which compels the
Wilson Administration TO place itself
In an attitude of opposition to the
League OF Nations which it aided in
creating. At the state Department It is
confidently expected that the reply of
the League Council will express willing
ness to submit mandate forms to the
Government OF the United States and
that II will invite the views of this
Government upon them.
It is not anticipated. however, that
this action would be retroactive. or that
ii will reopen the question of class
mandates. In which the Island of zap
Is included. This form of mandate had
already been approved by the council
and. as interpreted here. revision would
require unanimous consent. which 1t Is
not expected that Japan will give.
The Interpretation placed here on the
note sent 10 the League Council holds
that 1t does considerably more than ex-
press resentment on the part of the Will
son Administration over the fact that
1t has been ignored in world settlements
growing out of the war. While Mr.. VIII
son and Secretary Colby will soon go
out of office, 1t Is recognized there Is a
degree of continuity in foreign policy
which makes action by this Adminlstra-
ton important to that which Will sue
ceed it. Members of the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee. heartily In favor
of the note, fear. however that II is q
case ot locking the door after the horse
has been stolen. 1t is characterized as
a proper action at this time. but one
that would have possessed greater de-,
gree Of propriety IL the American repre-
sentatives at the Versailles conference
had taken the same position then.
Tie State Departments demand for
part in war settlements is interpreted In
harmony with the attitude previously
displayed relative TO German repara-
tions and its opposition to the suggestion
that the allied debt to this nation be cam
celled. While the note Is not understood
as making such reference, II Is recog-
nized that the United States may be in
position to compel recognition of It's
rights in the peace settlements because
of the part II is expected TO play in re-
habiitating Europe.
II is also noted that the despatch of the
note to the council is timed to coincide
with the latest hiatus in the meetings OF
the International Communications Con-
ference. This conference has been unable
TO reach an agreement OH the disposal of
the former German cables. although IL
ts understood that France has decided
10 accept in principle the position of the
United States. Japan alone is standing
out. and 1t is believed that Under Secre-
tary Davis for the United States is IN
sistlng that the internationallzation of
the Island OF Yap shall be part of the
decision reached II has been previously
intinated at the State Department that
unless this was done the United States
would refuse to recognize Japan's man
date over the other former German ISL
ands in the Pacific north of the Equator.
despite approval by the league council.
Prompt acceptance by the. British of
the American suggestion of delay I'm act
ing upon the mandate forms is regarded
rs pleasing by Republican Senator's
They profess to zee In this action a de-
sire on the part ct the British Govern
ment TO work In greater harmony with
the Government in Washington under
Mr.. Harding than has characterized
recent relationships between the two
countries. In this connection keen in
terest centres in the return OF the British
Ambassador. Sir Auckland Geddcs. who
is assumed to have returned to Wash
fngton with concrete proposals for a
closer working agreement between the
two nations.
Ambassador Geddes is expected to
confer only in a perfunctory manner
with the State Department between now
and March 4. After that time he ls
expected to take the leadership among
European diplomats IN discussing the
international problems of Europe and
America with the Harding Administra.