The citizen., 1922-01-12
POISONOUS Gas
IN The DISCARD
Proposal by American 0elega-
tl0n to Abolish Its Use
Near Adoption.
0. K. FINAL ROOT RESOLUTION
Head OF italian Delegation Expresses
Aforementioned Britain. France
and Japan Await Word From
Their Home Governments

Washington Jan. Proposal by
the American delegation To- abolish the
use of poisonous gases la warfare and
adoption ~ the hnal Root resolution
making acts of pidacy out of ruthless
attacks on merchant ships were the
two events Of the day In the arma-
ments conference
senator Schnnzer, head Of the ltal.
Ian delegation. Immediately expressed
his governments agreement To the
abolition n war gases. France. Great
Britain and japan will state their
Views later France aud possibly
japan probably will have TO await In
struCtions from their home govern
ments before giving formal decisions.
The resolution abolishing gas as u
weapon of warfare, which was offered
by Elihu Root. follows:
The use In war of asphyxlating.
poisonous or analogous liquids or ma
terials or devices having been Justly
condemned by the general opinion Of
the civilized world and "A prohibition
Of such use having been declared In
treaties TO which n majority Of the
civilized powers are parties,
Other Nations Invited.
Nov, to the end that this prohibi.
tion shall be universally accepted, as
part Of the international law. binding
alike the conscience aud practice Of
nations. the signntory powers declare
their assent TO such prohibition. agree
Co he bound thereby between them
selves. and invite all other civilized
nations 10 adhere thereto"
The resolution dealing with piratical
attacks on merchant vessels reads:
The signatory powers, desiring 10
insure the enforcement OF the humane
rules of existing law declared by them
with respect Ia attacks upon and the
seizure and destruction Of merchant
ships. further declare that any person
In the service Of any power who shall
violate any Of these rules. whether or
not such person Is under orders of
governmental superior. shall be
deemed to have violated the laws Of
war, and shall be liable to trial and
punishment ms II for an ncj Of piracy
and may be brought Ia trial before the
civil or military authorities Of any
power within the jurisdiction Of which
he may be found"
While primarily the foregoing reso-
tuition refers 10 submarine command
ers. II was made clear by official
spokesmen that II applies with equal
tn ~. In, oh nf
vessel whose conduct comes within the
scope of the rule. For example. the
commander OF surface vessel acting
as commerce raider. who did not
conform 10 the requirements ot visit
and search and safe provision for pas.
sengers and crew would be liable to
punishment ms n pirate. which II
death.
Rearrsnoe Root Resolution.
Discussion during the session ~ the
armamcnts committee, II was nn.
nounced, developed the necessity of ~.
Arranging the Root resolution dealing
with submarines So that the one adopt.
ously adopted resolution restating In
simple language the nNe big naval
powers conception Of existing law.
The resolution on piracy. therefore,
does not apply In connection with the
other Root resolutions, adopted yes
terday. outlawing submarines AS com.
merce destroyers.
The reason given for this distinc-
tion was that the first resolution sim
ply embodies a restatement OF what
now is recognized as international law.
Punishment for violation OF that,
therefore. may be provided. But the
prohibition Of submarine attacks on
merchant vessels under any circum.
stances merely Is contractual agree
ment between the five powers and win
not become international law until
adopted by all other nations