Evening star., 1924-11-26
ASSERT j. s. MUST
Join PEACE MOVE
Root, Wickersham and 9th
ers Praise League Sc
curity Protocol.
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
NEW YORK, November 26.-Eu-
ropes desire that war be outlawed,
as expressed by the Geneva protocol
and the proposed disarmament con-
ference, represents a worldwide
movement from which the United
States cannot continue aloof. was
the general opinion of speakers at
a dinner conference of the council
on foreign relations here last night.
ALREADY We can see that men are
thinking in terms of what consti-
tutes justice rather than in terms of
force" said Elihu Root, presiding.
1T is being demonstrated that an
inStitution-if not the protocol, then
some other-must be created through
which public opinion can express it
self. With so many nations having g
so many conflicting characteristics
involved we must start by finding a
common denominator, a simple pro-
gram upon which all nations can
agree. and from that develop the great
things"
George w. Wickersham, former
United States Attorney General and
an observer at the Geneva protocol
sessions. spoke of that document as
"the best defense alliance for the
Illustration of aggressive, outlaw
wars that ever was formulated"
Denies British Opposed.
He declared England has vt
scrapped the protocol, despite e
ports to the contrary. and asserted
that country, quite justifiabiy. had
delayed becoming party to IT because
of desire to readjust herself to the
recent change in government leaders.
The covenant of the League of
Nations, the International Court of
Justice and the Geneva protocol are
the three greatest documents ever
written in world history as laying Il
basis for protecting civilization from
self destruction and self-eXtermina-
ton" said Mr.. Wickersham.
Mr.. WickerSham doubted that the
United States would join the protocol
immediately But it would encourage
other nations, he believed, If public
sentiment in this country could
adopt a sympathetic, considerate at
titude toward international peace
plans. and forsake the hostile, top
lofty and distruStful attitude now
characteristic of us.
Bliss FavOrs Changes.
Gen. Tasker II. Bliss expressed a
conviction that the United states
could not become a party to the
protocol now drawn. He was Ger
tain, he said, that more perfect
agreement, which this country would
be able freely to Sign. would be
drafted as a direct result of the pro-
posed disarmament conference.
The crisis between England and
Egypt was touched upon only per
functorily. William NJ. Chadbourne,
an attorney, raised the question, what
would be the leagues powers for
averting war between the two coun-
tries. Mr.. WickerSham answered:
Egypt is not a member of the
league. therefore could not appeal
directly to that body. Any other
member might, however, call upon
the league to take action in stu
alton which threatened to disrupt the
peace of the world
Later Mr.. Wickersham added:
Egypt is not only not a league mem
ber; she is hardly a nation yet. Her
status is not even so high as was
that Of Cuba at the time of the sec
ond American Intervention.
England probably would say to
the league-and ] think with justi-
fication-that her controversy with
Egypt was a domestic one which did
not concern or threaten the rights or
sovereignty of any other nation.
England could we'll declare that this
is not question of averting war,
but of preserving the peace.