New-York tribune., 1921-02-25
Position Taken by Colby
ls Held Too Sweeping;
Fear German Attitude
May Be Strengthened
Likely to Uphold
japanese on Yap
Paris Hints America Lost
Right to Object by Re-
manning Out of League
By Ralph Courtney
Speciel Cable to The Tribune

Copyright. 1921, New York Tribune Inc.
PARIS, Feb 24.-Members of the
Council of the League of Nations feel
that they dare not admit the sweeping
legal claims made by the United States
in the American Secretary of State g
note protesting against the mandate
decisions of the Council without un-
dermining the whole question of man
dates over the former German colo
MES.
The American claim, as set forth in
the note, that the United Staees is en-
titled to take part in the disposition Of
all, the mandates, is understood to be un-
acceptable to the Council members. On
the specific issue of the mandate over
the island of zap. it is generally be-
iieved that the Council will uphold
Japan against the United States.
Arthur j. Balfour, of Great Britain.
has assumed the responsibility for
drafting the leagues answer to the
Presidents note, but it is not vet GER
tain whether his communication will
be a statement of warm friendlines.
for America or simple. stiff state
nlent of the Councils position on the
question. The Council of the league
intends to invite the United States to
discuss with it the question of the dis
position of the island of Yap, Japan's
mandate for which the President
warned America could not recognize.
Germany already is protesting that
her colonies have been allocated ille-
gally, but short work can be made of
German contentious so long as the AL
lies are united. The last thing the AL
lies would like to see would be the
swing of American opinion toward
Germanys point Of view as the result
of the councils refusal to admit
Americas claims TO the Island of Yap.
German Resistance involved
Both Great Britain and France real-
ize that the extent of GeYnnany's oppo-
sition to the repaaations account III,
London next week depends upon The
amount of sympathy which Germany
can arouse in the United States. Yet
Americas claims are SO sweeping as
to arouse concern in all the Allied gov
ernments.
The leagde Council would reply to
the President Immediately if the reply
the League of Nations exec
utive alone, but it is now in,nrobable
that an thing will be done before tine
Supreme Council has given the Ameri-
can attitude as set forth in President
Wilson's note the most serious con-
Upon the attitude which the,Allied
premiers direct the league to adopt
toward America in.this matter depends
the most important POINTS Of the
worlds high politics. 1t Is anticipated
in league circles that, regardless Of
the course which the Allied govern
ments suggest, the league Council must
invite the Washington government to
send representative to join in d
ror ld-table discussion of the question.
The part of President Wilson'S note
which the Allied leaders cannot admit
reads:
"As one of the principal Allied and
Associated Powers, the United States
has equal concern and inseparable in
terest with the other principal Allied
and Associated Powers in the overseas
possessions of Germany, and conceded
ly an equal voice in their disposition,
which, it is respectfully submitted,
cannot be undertaken or effected with
ott its assent"
In league circles it is considered
that the severe tone of the American
note makes it difficult for the league
or the Allies TO send friendly reply.
Some say, il the United States had
Joined the League of Nations every
thing would be satisfactory, but as the
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