Middletown transcript., 1921-12-17


insular possessions and insular domin.
ions of each other in the region OF
the Pacific ocean; to frankly discuss
differences before committing an as
gressive act, and to remain in effect
for 10 years, when it may be termi.
mated on IL months notice.
The treaty does not guarantee to
respect and preserve" the territories
of the member nations as does the
League of Nations. It does not obli-
gate member nations to render mill
tary assistance to each other, as pro-
vided in the Versailles treaty. Fur
thermore, it respects the constitutional
process Of each Government relating
to declarations of war. There is to
be no court Of reviews; instead there
are to be conferences when there are
disputes.
The treaty, while confined to the
territorial possessions or dominions
of the signatory countries, will exer.
else restraining influence upon all
nations holding possessions in the
Pacific, as in the case of Holland.
A close study Of the new treaty
justifes American officials in declar.
ing that none Of its provisions pledges
the United States to take any action
that Is not countenanced by the con-
stitutional provisions of the American
Government. It is, therefore, made
clear that military participation in
disputes between member powers will
not be possible without the usual
sanction of Congress.
The obligation undertaken by the
parties to the treaty to respect each
others rights, does not undertake to
define these rights, which are held to
be mot easy susceptible of determina-
tion In advance, but are easily dis
cernible when specific issues arise"
TEXT OF FoUR-PoWER PACIFIC
TREATY.
The text of the four-power treaty Is
as follows:
Article ].
The high contracting parties agree
as between themselves to respect
their rights in relation to their insular
possessions and insular dominions in
the regions of the Pacific ocean.
II there should develop between any
OF the high contracting parties a con-
troversy arising. out Of any Pacific
question and involving their said
rights which Is not satisfactorily set
tied by diplomacy and is likely to
affect the harmonious accord now hap
PLY existing between them, they shall
invite the high contracting parties to
joint conference to which the whole
subject will be referred for consid-
GRAFTON and adjustment.
Article II.
If the said rights are threatened by
the aggressive action of any other
Power the high contracting parties
shall communicate with one another
fully and frankly in order to arrive at
an understanding as to the most ef-
ficient measures to be taken, jointly
and separately, to meet the exigencies
of the situation.
Article Ill.
This agreement shall remain in
force for 10 years from the time it
shall take effect, and after the expira-
ton Of said period it shall continue
to be in force subject to the right Of
any of the high contracting parties to
terminate 1t upon IL months notice.
Article. ~.
This agreement shall be ratified as
soon as possible in accordance with
the constitutional methods of the high
contracting parties and shall take ef-'
feet on the deposit of ratification,
which shall take place at Washing
ton, and thereupon the agreement be-
tween Great Britain and Japan, which
was concluded at London on July 13,
1911, shall terminate.