Evening star., 1936-04-25
NEW NEUTRALITY
POLICY IS SCORED
International Law Society
Hears Speaker List Pc.
tentiaI Dangers.

The American Society Of Interna-
tional Law moved toward adjourn
ment of its thirtieth annual meeting
at the Carlton Hotel today after
hearing Amry Vandenbosch, profess
sor Of political science at the Uni
versity of Kentucky, last night criti-
cize recent American neutrality legis-
lation as an impetus to economic
nationalism and imperialism"
He suggested, however, five extern
sions of the duties Of neutral nations
which stressed non-participation In
warfare rather than impartiality.
Fears Munitions Spurt.
1.-THE general adoption by the ma
tions of the world of the theory that
neutral powers ought to prohibit the
sale Of arms and ammunitions to
belligerents." the speaker said, would
compel every nation to have in readi-
ness at all times sufficient munitions
to meet any emergency and to main
tain establishments to manufacture
arms and ammunition sufficient to
supply the needs throughout the
progress of a war. Manifestly the
application of this theory would re-
self in every nation becoming an
armed camp"
Vandenbosch specifically criticized
the provision which prohibits the
floatation Of general loans to bellig-
erents, which he said may drive the
world back to mercantilism in its
worst form"
The American decision to sell to
belligerents only for cash." he de-
clared. will encourage countries to
treat their gold reserves as war chests
and may lead them to prevent the de-
pletion and stimulating the increase
of their gold supply"
In another address last night, Allen
T. Klots of the New York bar, urged
that the principles Of the pact Of
Paris be recognized as important ele-
ments Of international law.
The pact in which So nations
solemnly renounced war as an instru-
ment Of national policy. Klots told the
society, would seem to be "the type
of treaty pre-eminently entitled to
recognition as international legisla-
ton"
Others who participated in last
nights discussion included DIR. Will
liam C. Dennis. president Of Earlham
of Richmond, Ind; Charles G. Fen
wick Of Bryn Mawr. Quincy Wright Of
the University Of Chicago. Edwin M.
Borchard and Charles Warren Of
Washington.
Opinions Divided.
Opinions widely differed among the
speakers, ranging from fervent con-
demnation Of neutrality legislation, as
being opposed to international NOR
atty and American responsibility for
the development of the world COM
munity, expressed by Mr.. Fenwick.
to cogent defense of 1t, as a counsel
of prudence and practically in
world of imperialist intrigue for the
defense Of the status quo, dictated by
the Versailles powers. view expressed
by Mr.. Dennis and concurred in by
Mr.. Borchard.
Mr.. Warren pointed out the incon-
sistency Of Congress in emphatically
refusing to confer discretionary au-
thority upon the President to impose
commodity embargoes against an al
legged agressor government. lest in so
doing he commit the United States to
unneutral conduct and belligerent in
tervention, while, in the same enact
ment. openly announcing an unneu-
trail policy in exempting Latin-Amer-
ican governments from the application
Of all the indicated embargoes, in the
event Of war between one or more of
them and a non-American power.
Henry L. Stimson. former Secretary
Of State, presided.
Earlier yesterday, the law society
heard Quincy Wright, University of
Chicago professor. advocate revision
Of the League of Nations covenant to
empower the assembly to transfer the
rights and claims Of nations in order
to promote the welfare of all.
The meeting is scheduled to end
with banquet at 7:30 o'clock tonight,
when Senator Thomas of Utah and
others will speak.