Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 June 1919 — LEAGUE OPEN TO FOE IF GOOD [ARTICLE]

LEAGUE OPEN TO FOE IF GOOD

Allies Feer Germany May Form Rival Alliance. - 3 1 CAN BETTER BE CONTROLLED i p If Enemy Is Inside Than Outside IxMMtuf —Entrance lUqiendant on signing Treaty an<l Proving Worthiness to Membership. Paris, June 9.—The movement to admit Germany to the league of nations is due mainly to the desire to avoid the possibility of the formation of another group composed of rival powers, which would embrace Germany, Russia and the old Teutonic group. Evidences have reached the conference leaders of late that Influences are at work in Germany and Russia to establish relations as a basis for a combination of powers not in tbe league. While not regarded as imminent, it was felt that the danger of such a combination would be always present while Germany was outside the league, and the admission of Germany therefore was recommended as a means of subjecting* her to the same obligations as the allies under the league of nations. Thia sentiment was chiefly instrumental in the unanimous deci-, sion of thb British, French, American and Italian members of the league committee concerning the conditions on which Germany may, be admitted. One of the chief authorities said today: "We can deal with Germany better when Inside than outside the league. Outside she would be able to go her own way; inside she must conform to the same obligations as the allies.’* The covenant originally foresaw, Germany's admission on giving ‘effective guarantees of her sincere intention to observe international obligations." The recommendations now submitted to the council of four define these effective guarantees namely* the establishment of a stable government; the signing of the peace treaty and loyally executing the terms of the treaty. The league covenant also made it conditional of Germany's entrance that she accept the league restrictions of military and naval armaments. It was proposed to define this by specific abolition of compulsory military service. Mr. Clemenceau objected, however, on the ground that such specifications might bring up the whole question of compulsory military service. It was omitted from the recommendations presented to the council of four. The council spent the day In examining this and other committee reports. Indications were that the reply to the Germans would be , ready before the end of the week, probably Friday, when five days will be given for Germany’s final answer with respect to signing.