The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-20
LEAGUE TO AYOID. REP PARTITIONS FOR
 MOMENT AT LEAST.
Debate On Question At This Time Might Hinder Settle
 ment, LegateS Decide

GENEVA, Sept. 19.-(By Associated s.)-"Hands off the separations problem, for the moment at least, was the decision reached today by one of the main commissions of the 'league of nations. This decision, it is believed. will affect the entire at titude of the league assembly on this problem 1t was not reached without some murmurs.
 The reparations issue arose before the commission on technical organf- cations when Sir Henry Strakosh. the financial expert representing South Africa, alluded to the state ment at the openlng Of this years assembly to the effect that the league was confronted with difficult ties owing to the absence of a set tlement of the question of repara- tions and interallied debts. But af- ter consulting his French and Bel gian colleagues, Sir Henry said he was convinced of the advisabilitv Of not starting a debate on this deii- cate subject, which might aggravate the situation and hinder eventual set- clement
 Sir Mubure Lewelleyn Smith of England, deprecated. allowing the impression to exist that the repara- tions question was outside the do-
 
 cated that the commission make recommendations to the league coun- cil as preferable to a general dis cussion, which might cause unfor tunate dissensions.
 Interpret Covenant
 A second important feature of to- days league activities was the adcp- tion of a resolution interpreting Article x of the covenant. The com mission adopted new compromise formula replacing the Canadian amendment. It begins by emphasiz- ing the existence of a general desire for precision of meaning of Article x and recommends that the assem- bly, adopt several clauses in the form of a resolution.
 The first clause is that in case the council of the league deems 1t neces- sary 10 recommend the application of military measures because of an aggression or a menace of aggres- sion the council will take into ac- count the geographical situation and special conditions surrounding each state. The second clause declares that 1t is the right of the constitu- rional powers of each member state to decide the nature and the extent of its obligation to maintain the independence and integrity Of terri tory of members and to what extent it should furnish military assist ance.
 The last paragraph reads: How ever, recommendation given by the council will be considered of the highest importance and will be taken into consideration by all the mem bers with a desire to execute in good faith their engagements.H
 This interpretive resolution now goes to the assembly. It is generally regarded as removing many of the existing fears that Article x would force states too far into possible military adventures abroad without the sanction of the home parlia- ments.
 The question of military assistance was also treated by the disarmament commission which achieved further progress in drafting the text of a new international t4aty of mutual assistance which starts from the fundamental principle that the sigma tories will really help one another in the event of uniustlfied aggres- sion. .