February 14, 1933 (2)

WASHINGTON CONVENTION CONCERNING NIGHT EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN

It appears in the league journal that on September 4, 1922, the league announced that it had been advised by the Netherland Government of the ratification by that government of the convention concerning employment of women during the night adopted by the International Labor Conference which met at Washington, October 29 to November 29, 1919, and of the registration by that Government of said ratification with the secretariat of the league in accordance with article 406, part 13, of the treaty of Versailles.

REGISTRATION OF INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS WITH LEAGUE

The official journal of the league for November, 1922, shows that the Czechoslovak Government advised the league on July 24, 1922, that it had decided to respect the regime established by the convention relating to nonfortification and neutralization of the Aland Islands.

PROTOCOLS REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO COVENANT

The league's official journal shows that on October 4, 1922, Bulgaria ratified the protocols regarding amendments to the covenant proposal on October 5, 1921.

TRAFFIC IN WOMEN AND . CHILDREN

The official journal notes that on September 18, 1922, adhesion was given by the following British colonies and protectorates to the convention of September 30, 1921, on the suppression of the traffic in women and children: Bahamas, Ceylon, Cyprus, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Kenya, Malta, Nyasaland, Straits Settlements, Southern Rhodesia, Trinidad.

BARCELONA CONVENTIONS

According to the official journal the declaration of the Barcelona conventions of April 20, 1921, recognizing the right to a flag of states having no seacoast was adhered to on October 9, 1922, by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, India, New Zealand, and Newfoundland.

CONVENTION OF ST. GERMAIN ON THE TRAFFIC IN ARMS

It is shown by the league's official journal that on July 28, 1922, the Government of the United States, through its Secretary of state, wrote the league stating that the communication which the secretary general of the league addressed to the Secretary of State of the United States on November 21, 1921, had received careful consideration. The letter from the United States Government, which is set out in the league's official journal, states further that in its communication of November 21, 1921, the league had been so good as to bring to the knowledge of the Secretary of State a resolution adopted on October 1, 1921, by the league assembly suggesting that the importance of ratifying the arms traffic convention of St. Germain should be strongly impressed on all the states signatories thereto, whether members of the league or not, as well as the decision of the council of the league that the assembly's resolution should be brought to the notice of all states which had not notified the league of their intentions on the subject. The letter then stated that in reply to the inquiry made by the league through its secretary-general in pursuance of this action by the assembly and the council, the Secretary of State begged to say that the terms of the proposed convention had been carefully examined and, that while the Government of the United States was in cordial sympathy with efforts to restrict the traffic in arms and munitions of war, it found itself unable to approve the provisions of the convention and to give any assurance of its ratification. The letter stated further that the Secretary of State also desired to call attention to the fact that the Government of the United States was desirous of cooperating for the purpose of suitably controlling traffic in arms and ammunition, and, to that end, the Congress of the United States had already enacted legislation providing that whenever the President found that in any American territory, or in any country in which the United States exercised extra-territorial jurisdiction, conditions of domestic violence existed, which were or might be promoted by the use of arms or munitions of war procured from the United States, and made proclamation thereof, it would thereafter be unlawful to export, except under such limitations and exceptions as the President prescribed, any arms or munitions of war from any place in the United States to such country until otherwise ordered by the President or by Congress.

The league journal shows that the Australian Government on August 25, 1922, notified the league that it was prepared to ratify the Arms Traffic Convention signed at Paris on September 10, 1919, its ratification not to take effect until the other signatory powers had ratified, and safeguards had been provided against nugatory action by nonsignatory states.

LIMITATION OF ARMAMENT

According to the league's official journal, Rumania replied on the question of armament limitation on July 1, 1922, that, on account of the threatening position of Soviet Russia, she could not, while that condition continued, entertain any policy of limiting the number of military effectives. On the same subject New Zealand replied on September 30, 1922, that it adopted as its own the answer of the British Government of March 21, 1922, subject to the further reservation that the New Zealand Government might at any time increase its share in the defense of the Empire.

SAAR BASIN

The official journal records a letter from the German Government dated August 18, 1922, asking the league for the early withdrawal of French troops from the Saar Territory, and a letter to the league from the governing commission, dated September 22, 1922, commenting on the German letter and advocating the retention of the troops.

INCURSIONS OF BANDS INTO FRONTIER DISTRICTS OF STATE BORDERING ON BULGARIA

The league journal contains a copy of the note of the Serb-Croat-Slovene Government in reply to the note of August 17 from Bulgaria to the three neighbor governments, stating that in refusing to withdraw from the frontier zone those officials who . were aiding and abetting comitadjis and emigrants the Bulgarian Government had asserted that it was accused of actions of which it knew nothing; that it was strange that the Bulgarian Government should be totally unaware of the complicity of these officials in the exploits of the comitadjis; that this ignorance was especially strange in the case of emigrants, since Mr. Stambouliski had admitted in his memorandum to the Genoa conference that the emigrants shared in the activities of the comita.djis, being accustomed to their "idyllic life." The Serb note to Bulgaria added that it was a matter of common knowledge that emigrants had settled in easy reach of the respective frontiers of Bulgaria's neighbors; that practically all the comitadji bands were recruited from the emigrants, and that with the emigrants near the frontiers bands could be more easily organized and raids more readily carried out; that accordingly the Serb-Croat-Slovene Government and the Rumanian Government, being desirous of reaching an agreement in this matter with Bulgaria, considered it imperative, before any combined action was undertaken by the four states concerned, that those emigrants at least who had become involved in the activities of the comitadjis should be withdrawn from the frontier zone and sent into the interior.

RUSSIAN REFUGEES

It is noted in the official journal that Finland on August 15, 1922; France on September 4, 1922; and Great Britain on September 7, 1922, had replied to the league circular of August 11, 1922, proposing on the suggestion of the Geneva conference and the league council a form of identity passport certificate for Russian refugees, that they agreed to such unified form.

ASIA MINOR REFUGEES

The league's official journal records contributions for relief of refugees from Asia Minor as follows: Great Britain, £16 000· Canada, £5,000; Greece, 1,000,000 drachmas (about £5,000); New Zealand, £1,000; Sweden, £1,000. Great Britain, in response to the third assembly's resolution, had promised £50,000, conditioned on a similar amount from remainder of league members combined. Denmark had promised £1,000, Brazil, £1,000, Norway, £1,000, Spain, £1,000. The journal published Doctor Nansen's appeal to the world in behalf of these refugees, stating that they were in a deplorable condition, were without money, sufficient clothing, or shelter, and frequently without food, and so forth; that they numbered about 750,000 men, women, and children.

INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION

The journal shows that on September 8, 1922, Estonia advised the league of the ratification of the draft conventions of the International Labor Conference at Geneva October 25-November 29, 1921, first, concerning the age for admission of children to employment in agriculture: second, concerning the rights of association and combination of agricultural workers; third, concerning workmen's compensation in agriculture; fourth, concerning the use of white lead in painting; fifth, fixing the minimum age for the admission of young persons to employment as trimmers and stokers; sixth, concerning compulsory medical examination of children and young persons employed at sea.

On October 7, 1922, Finland advised the league of its ratification of the draft convention for establishing facilities for finding employment for seamen adopted by the International Labor Conference at Genoa June 15-July 10, 1920.

On October 9, 1922, Switzerland advised the league of its ratification of the draft conventions of the International Labor Conference at Washington October 29-November 29, 1919, first concerning unemployment; second, concerning employment of women during the night; third, fixing the minimum age for admission of children to industrial employment; fourth, concerning the night work of young persons employed in industry. Twentieth session of the council, held at Geneva on August 31 and October 4, 1922

At the twentieth session of the council member nations had the following representatives: Spain, Mr. Quinones de Leon, president; Belgium, Mr. Paul Hymans; Brazil, Mr. Domicio da Gama; British Empire, Lord Balfour; China, Mr. Tang Tsai-Fou; France, Mr. Gabriel Hanotaux; Italy, Marquis Imperiali; Japan, Viscount Ishii and Mr. Adatci.

First meeting (public), August 31, 3.30 p. m.

"A" MANDATEs-THE coMMISsiON FoR THE HOLY PLACEs

Lord Balfour said that agreement had been reached at the London session in July, 1922, regarding the mandate for Palestine, but that the question of the holy places remained unsettled; that the mandatory power was charged with the difficult task of proposals regarding them, and that the British Government had prepared a scheme intended to do justice to all concerned as far as possible. He added that the members of the council were invited to examine the scheme and consult their governments; that the council was not called upon to make a decision before the governments had opportunity to be heard.

These declarations were noted by the council.

BRITISH PROPOSAL REGARDING HOLY PLACES IN PALESTINE

The British proposal submitted by Lord Balfour to the council in relation to the holy places in Palestine was as follows:

First. Article 14 of the Mandate for Palestine provides that a special commission shall be appointed by the mandatory to study, define, and determine the rights and claims in connection with the holy places and the rights and claims relating to the different religious communities in Palestine; the method of nomination, the composition and functions of the commission to be - submitted to the council of the league for its approval; the commission not to be appointed or enter upon its functions without the council's approval. This provision must be considered in connection with article 13, which requires the mandatory to preserve existing rights in connection with the holy places, including the maintenance of the status quo.

Second. To insure that questions affecting Christians should be considered and settled by Christians without the intervention of Jews and Mohammedans, the Holy Places Commission should be divided into 3 subcommissions­ ! Christian, 1 Moslem, 1 Jewish--each subcommission to deal exclusively with its own religion, and to have its own president who would preside over its deliberations.

Third. There was to be, as chairman of the commission, an individual of high standing and judicial temperament, and of such character as to insure confidence in his impartiality.

Fourth. In each subcommission should be represented the states and confessions more especially concerned. The Christian subcommission might be composed of a French president, three catholic representatives (Italian, Spanish, and Belgian), three orthodox (one of whom should be Greek and one Russian), one Armenian, and one or possibly two representatives of the Abyssinians and the Copts, unless both were of same confession, in which case one would suffice. The Moslem subcommission might be made up of an Italian president, with a Palestinian, French, and Indian Moslem; the Jewish subcommission of an American president, with a Palestinian, a British and a Portuguese or Spanish Jew to represent the Sephardia sect.

Fifth. unanimous report by a subcommission to be final except where the council, under whose guaranty the holy places were to rest, referred back some point for further consideration. Where no unanimous report could be had in a subcommission, the point involved was to be decided by the chairman of the whole commission.

Sixth. Questions affecting more than one religion might be handled by representatives of the subcommissions concerned sitting together; and where no agreement could be reached, the point involved was to be settled by the chairman of the whole commission.

seventh. The commission to have a secretariat, and the secretary-general to be appointed by the British Government, since the expense of the secretariat would fall on the administration of Palestine.

Eighth. An American citizen reasonably prominent would seem to be most suitable chairman of the whole commission, inasmuch as this would give representation to Protestant communities not otherwise represented on the commission. Ninth. The chairman of the commission and president of each subcommission to be appointed by the mandatory after consultation between the British Government and the government concerned. Representatives of various confessions to be appointed in consultation with heads of religious denominations concerned, or, if this is not possible, with the governments concerned. These appointments not to be made until approved by the league council.

Tenth. Expenses of chairman of commission and of presidents of subcommissions to be borne by League of Nations. Expenses of representatives of various religious and confessions to be borne by the religious communities they represent. Expenses of secretariat to be borne by administration I Eleventh. ~ permanent arrangements should be necessary of Palestine. for dealing With questions which might ariSe m the future as to interpretation of reports and recommendations of commission, or on new questions, they might be provided by creating small local comm i ttees selected and nominated by each subcommission. If these local committees should be unable to agree, the subcommittee concerned, or, if necessary, the entire commission might reassemble.

Twelfth. It was to be clearly understood that the functions of the Holy Places Commission do not include any administrative responsibilities nor any interference with right and duty of the mandatory to _ preserve order and decorum.

Second meeting (private), October 4, 3.30 p. m.

"A" MANDATES-THE COMMISSION FOR THE HOLY PLACES

Lord Balfour discussed the British proposal regarding the holy places in Palestine, which, he said, had been prepared by the British Colonial Office, and which he had submitted to the council on August 31. He said that while this proposal represented an honest effort to solve the problem, and embodied valuable suggestions, many of which would probablY be followed in the final settlement, the plan itself had met with the great disfavor from those who represented Catholic opinion throughout the world. Under such circumstances be stated that it would be folly to attempt to force the scheme through, even if the attempt would probably be successful.

Great Britain, the mandatory power, felt, be continued, that it was of the very greatest importance to carry out a plan relating to the holy places with the "consenting feeling," not necessarily with the absolute agreement, of all the great religious denominations concerned, and that resentment in certain very important quarters was sufficient reason for another effort.

He stated that he thought the prejudice against the scheme proposed by Great Britain was based largely on a misunderstanding; that under the scheme the final court of appeal was to be an American Protestant; that he thought there was a very strong feeling throughout the Catholic world that to place a Protestant in that position was to outrage the spirit of history and to offend a great many very strong susceptibilities. To put a Protestant, said, he where he could render opinion on Catholic dogma . or Catholic ritual or Catholic ecclesiastical practice and law would be a " gross impertinence " of which the British Government was incapable; and this was not what the Protestant chairman of the commission was intended to do. He was to act only as a court of appeal in a dispute between Christian denominations and not in matters concerning Catholic opinion as such. Lord Balfour contended that there was advantage in having as a judge one who widely sympathized with the religious sentiments of all concerned and was wholly unconnected with either party to the litigation. The new proposal was an improvement, he urged, over the old system. Under the old system of dealing with the holy places Mohammedans had composed the court of appeal for more than a thousand years. The speaker thought something was gained by substituting on a matter which concerned Christians a Christian judge for a Mohammedan judge, adding that while the Turks and their Mohammedan predecessors controlled Palestine and the holy places decision rested with people " who, whatever their sentiments may be, are not, by common consent, in the forefront of juridical practice." Again, he said, under · the old system the rulers of the country were judges between Christian sects, and the same objection could have been made if a British court of appeal had been designated. So a court of appeal from a country not the mandatory power, entirely separated from the local politics and local interests of Palestine, had been suggested. In view of the developments mentioned, however, Lord Balfour thought the British proposal for a commission for the holy places should not be pressed, and he stated that the scheme in its entirety was to be understood as being no longer before public opinion. Misunderstandings were too easy and explanations too difficult. He said that further effor t s to reach common ground among representatives on the council had failed, that he did not consider himself capable of suggesting a remedy, that the difficulties must be settled by the interested powers themselves. The British scheme had been shipwrecked, he stated, · by the fact that an American Protestant was to be the arbiter between the contending churches in Palestine, but that when that difficulty was removed others developed, and no agreement was found possible at the time between his colleagues on the council, who represented countries in which the great majority of Christians were Catholic Christians.

He then said that if the powers interested could not agree he did not see how they could ask an outside power to mediate, that he appealed to the representatives of the countries of which he now spoke to make every effort to reconcile views through their governments , views which so far seemed irreconcilable; that unless Catholic opinion could be harmonized, he did not see how a satisfactory conclusion could easily and quickly be obtained. He then stated that there were still other difficulties. It was the duty of the mandatory power not only to find or adopt a solution of differences of opinion within the Catholic community, but to see that justice was done between Catholic and Orthodox, Orthodox and Jew, Orthodox and Armenian, indeed, between all Christian sects which for centuries had made disputing contentions in relation to the holy places. The mandatory power was also to see justice done between Turk and Jew, Christian and Turk, and between all disputing sects that had so long contended over questions of management and ritual, times and seasons of ceremonies relating to these ancient and sacred places.

He observed that next to the great Catholic body in the world stood the Orthodox, the latter, however, not being strongly represented in the League of Nations, the four member nations in which a majority of Christians belonged to the Orthodox being Greece, Bulgaria, old Serbia, and Rumania. While the percentage of Orthodox nations in the league was small, the populations concerned were large, had taken for centuries a deep interest in the holy places, and historically might be said to be more intimately connected with them than the Catholics, although the speaker was well aware that the two had been united in the earlier days when these places began to be officially reverenced by large religious populations. The Orthodox Church had no representative on the council and few representatives in the league, and that no system would be accepted by the mandatory power which did not deal justly with Orthodox nations. There were two diffi.culties to meet, therefore; the difficulty within the Catholic Church itself which the speaker begged the representatives of the countries in which a majority of Christians were Catholic to do their utmost to settle, and the difficulty of settling disputes between Catholic and Orthodox. He urged a united effort to reach a solution satisfactory to all the world, to Catholic, to Orthodox. to Protestant, and to all others, to the end that peace, order, and decorum might prevail in Palestine.

Mr. Hanotaux remarked that the only course open to the council was to submit the question to the governments interested; that, like Lord Balfour, he thought the first step was agreement among the Catholic powers, and then between Catholic and Orthodox.

Mr. Quinones de Leon and the Marquis Imperiali stated that they would communicate Lord Balfour's statement to their governments; that they felt that their governments would endeavor to the utmost to devise a scheme which would serve as a basis for further deliberation by the council. ·

The twentieth session of the council adjourned. Twenty-first session of council held at Geneva from August 31 to

October 31, 1922

Representation of member nations composing the council at its twenty-first session was as follows: Brazil, Mr. Domicio da Gama (president); Belgium, Mr. Paul Hymans; British Empire, Lord Balfour; China, Mr. Tang Tsai-Fow; France, Mr. Gabriel Hanotaux; Italy, Marquis Imperiali; Japan, Viscount Ishii and Mr. Adatci; Spain, Mr. Quinones de Leon.

First meeting (private), August 31, 5.30 p. m.

QUESTION OF EIGHT STATES OF CHIEF INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE; INDIA'S CLAIM

A telegram was read from the Indian Government asking to be invited to send a representative to attend the council when her claim for inclusion among the eight States of chief industrial importance was considered. The question arose as to whether India could be represented on council with right to vote under article 4 of covenant, or whether council sat in connection with this subject as in some sense a court of arbitration. The council asked the opinion of the director of the legal section of the secretariat of the league. He read article 4 of the covenant and article 393 of the treaty of Versailles, stating that in his opinion the council would act as arbitrator; that India could not be both judge and party to the case. All states signing treaty of Versailles had accepted article 393 and the jurisdiction it provided for the council. Moreover, other states were involved in the present question. India might be invited, however;to send a representative to attend the council and present its case. Lord Balfour agreed with the legal · director, Dr. Van Hamel. Mr. Hymans approved in principle, but said that if one of the states concerned should be heard the rest might ask the same privilege and endless discussion follow. He said a competent commission had made a thorough inquiry and had prepared a provisional list of states whose claims must be considered. The secretary general of the league stated that the data prepared by the commission would form sufficient basis for a decision; that the present question was one of procedure.

The council decided to inform the Indian Government that while it was ready to hear the Indian representative it suggested for the Indian Government's consideration that it might be better to submit a written statement, as Poland had done.

TRANSFERS IN BUDGET OF 1922

Mr. Tang Tsai-Fou presented a report authorizing certain transfers in the budget of the fourth financial period. Mr. Hanotaux agreed but said that these transfers should be evidence. avoided as far as possible. The report consisted of a memorandum by the secretary general calling attention to the fact that the assembly at its second session authorized transfers from one item to another of the same section of the budget, subject to previous sanction by council. Because the Swiss franc had during 1922 appreciated in relation to the gold franc in a manner unforeseen when the budget of 1922 was drawn up, two transfers of small amounts had become necessary to meet charges under two items where the budget allowance would fall a little short. The memorandum proposed that the secertary general be authorized to transfer the sum of 15,000 gold francs from item 3a of the budget, " Salaries, wages, and allowances of the secretariat at Geneva," to item 3b, "Salaries of the house staff at Geneva," thus reducing the former item to 4,091,300 gold francs and increasing the latter to 235,000 gold francs. It also proposed the transfer of 15,000 gold francs from item 21 of the budget, "International blockade committee," SALARY to item 16, "Permanent advisory commission for military, naval, and . air questions," reducing former item to 60,000 gold francs and increasing latter to 115,000 gold francs.

These proposals were approved by the council.

EXPENSES OF MISSION SENT TO NEUTRAL ZONE BETWEEN POLAND AND LITHUANIA

Mr. Hymans announced that pursuant to the resolution adopted at the eighteenth session Mr. Saura had been appointed sole commissioner and had gone to the neutral zone TERM between Poland and Lithuania accompanied by Mr. Lassitch, a member of the league secretariat, as secretary. The council resolved to charge the expense of this mission to an amount not exceeding 15,000 francs to item 25 of budget, "Unforeseen expenditure, such as special commissions of inquiry, and so forth (subject to special vote of council)", the expense to be apportioned as follows: Salaries and traveling allowances, 9,000 Swiss francs, traveling and transport expenses, 3,000 Swiss francs, unforeseen and miscellaneous expenses, 3,000 Swiss francs.

FINANCIAL POSITION OF LEAGUE

A periodical report on the financial position of the league was submitted to the council by the secretary-general and was merely noted inasmuch as the question was soon to be taken up by the assembly.

PLACING CERTAIN OFFICIALS OF SAAR BASIN TERRITORY AT DISPOSAL OF GERMAN GOVERNMENT

Mr. Tang Tsai-Fou reported on the question involved in the appeal by the German Government on July 23, 1922, for league intervention in a controversy with the Governing Commission of the Saar Basin regarding the placing of certain officials at the disposal of the German Government. The report suggested that negotiations in progress between the parties be permitted to continue and that the parties be so advised. Report adopted.

PRELIMINARY MEASURES IN VIEW OF PLEBISCITE IN SAAR BASIN TERRITORY

Mr. Tang Tsai-Fou submitted a report on the preliminary measures to be taken for preservation of information in connection with the plebiscite in the Saar Territory. He called attention to paragraph 34, chapter 2 of annex to article 50, Versailles treaty, providing that 15 years from date of treaty population of Territory of Saar Basin would be called upon to vote by communes or districts on the three following alternatives: (1) Maintenance of regime established by Versailles treaty and said annex to article 50; (2) union with France; (3) union with Germany-that all persons regardless of sex, more than 20 years old at date of voting, resident in territory at date of signature of present treaty, would have the right to vote; that the other conditions, methods, and date of voting should be fixed by the council in such way as to secure freedom, secrecy, and trustworthiness of voting. He stated that on March 26, 1922, the council had adopted a memorandum by the secretary general concerning steps to be taken for preservation of information in connection with this plebiscite; that in doing this the council meant to take only such measures as were urgently needed to preserve legal The speaker believed that no decision should be made at present as to what individuals would be entitled to vote, that no lists of voters should be drawn up at present, and that there should be no interpretation of specific provisions of the treaty. It would be sufficient to provide for the safe-keeping of any local official records which might be useful in determining at the proper time whether a particular individual met the treaty requirements for participation in the plebiscite, copies of the records to be compiled for the use of the council and kept at the secretariat of the league, the work of examining and classifying the records to be done by a provisional records commissioner for the Saar plebiscite, appointed by the league. The commissioner's term should not exceed one year, and his staff, if any, should be provided through agreement with the secretary general.

The report was approved.

OF REGISTRAR OF PERMANENT COURT OF INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE

The council decided, after considering a letter to the secretary general of the league from the president of the Permanent Court of International Justice, dated August 12, 1922, concerning the salary of the registrar of the court, that, in deference to the wishes expressed by · the court, the salary of the present registrar, beginning at 22,000 florins per annum should rise by successive yearly increases of 1,250 :florins to 27,000 :florins.

OF PRESIDENT OF PERMANENT HYDRAULIC SYSTEM COMMISSION OF THE DANUBE

After considering a report from the Marquis Imperiali, the council decided to invite the Permanent Hydraulic System Commission of the Danube to insert in the regulations concerning its powers and duties set out in article 293, treaty of Trianon, a clause determining the normal term of office of its chairman.

While reserving the right to reconsider the appointment of chairman of the commission when these regulations became effective, the council decided in the meantime to extend the term of its chairman now in office, the matter to be reconsidered at the end of year if the regulations had not gone into effect by that time.

COMPENSATION OF TEMPORARY MIXED COMMISSION FOR REDUCTION OF AR M A M ENTS

Prince Sapieha, member of Temporary Mixed Commission for Reduction of Armaments, having resigned in August, 1922, for health and family reasons, the council approved nomination of Prince Lubomirski as his successor.

COMPOS I TION OF ECONOMIC COMMITI'EE

Informed by Viscount Ishii that the Japanese Government desired that Mr. Matsuyama should replace Mr. Sakiba as a member of the economic committee, the council assented. Second meet i ng (private), Friday, September 1, 1922, 11 a. m.

PLAN FOR AN INTERNATIONAL RELIEF ORGANIZATION

Senator Ciraolo, president of the Italian Red Cross, was invited to the council table. The Senator explained his plan for a covenant of mutual insurance between states submitted by him to the Genoa conference and referred by the conference to the League of Nations. It contemplated an international organization for relief and assistance of peoples suffering from disaster established and operated under protection and supervision of the League of Nations, financed by small annual contributions by the various states in proportion to territory, population, and budget. The organization would be directed by the International Red Cross Committee, its technical bodies to be provided by all the Red Gross societies of the world. When a national catastrophe now occurred there was an organization of sympathy but no corresponding organization of relief. Public subscriptions were made and government subsidies contributed, but technical staffs and stocks of material were not forthcoming. There was no provision for organization and distribution of relief, and this had a discouraging effect. Recent examples had shown that private charity, though supported by governments, was inadequate without proper organization. Attention had heretofore been given to the military organization of States, and the time had come for an international relief organization. It was desirable to prepare relief in advance under a definite plan. The member nations of the league had by virtue of article 25 of the league covenant undertaken to encourage and promote the establishment and cooperation of Red Cross organizations in order to mitigate suffering throughout the world. The League of Nations with its lofty aims should be the first to welcome such a plan as the speaker presented. . The Marquis Imperiali presented a report on this plan which had received the approval of the International Red Cross Committee. He suggested that as to the proposal of the plan for wider recognition of the Red Gross in time of peace the council should await the revision of the Geneva convention now in force by the International Red Gross committee, and that as to the plan itself the council should request the secretary general to present a report to the council in time to be considered by it and submitted to the fourth assembly of the league.

Lord Balfour, after discussing the subject, proposed that the report suggested by Marquis Imperiali should cover not only legal and financial, but also political and administrative, aspects. The Marquis Imperiali accepted these suggestions and his proposals as thus amended were approved by the council.

CONTROL AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE VISTULA WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE FREE CITY OF DANZIG

Mr. Askenazy, representing Poland; Doctor Sahm, representing Danzig; and General Haking, high commissioner in Danzig for the League of Nations, took seats at the council table.

Viscount Ishii made a report, recommending that the council confirm the decision of the high commissioner of the league in Danzig of September 1, 1921, concerning control and administration of the Vistula within the territory of the free city of Danzig, and that the secretary general be requested to advise the Polish and Danzig Governments of such action and to send them a copy of the speaker's report. These recommendations were adopted after discussion in which Askenazy, Sahm, and Raking took part, Askenazy opposing, Sahm favoring the high commiss i oner's decision.

Third . meeting (public), Friday, September 1, 1922, 4 p. m.

SITE FOR POLISH WAR MATERIALS IN DANZIG

The council, after hearing a report from Viscount Ishii on the decision of the league's high commissioner as to the site of a depot for Polish war material in transit through Danzig, from which both Danzig and Poland had appealed, and after hearing the discussion in which Askenazy for Poland, Sahm for Danzig, and the high commissioner participated, adopted Ishii's suggestion that the high commissioner's decision be approved.

REPATRIATION 9F PRISONERS OF WAR

The secretary general read to the council in the absence of Doctor Nansen the latter's report on repatriation of prisoners of war . . In this report Doctor Nansen stated that he was happy to be able to report to the members of the assembly and the members of the league that he had brought to a satisfactory conclusion the work he had carried out on behalf of the league for the repatriation of prisoners of war. The total number of prisoners thus brought to their homes was 427,886. The report expressed Doctor Nansen's deep indebtedness to the organizations and individuals assisting him, making " very special mention " of the assistance given by the international committee of the Red Cross "without whose cooperation and practical help the whole work could scarcely have been carried out so rapidly and at such small cost." Then came the following statement of prisoners repatriated by countries and routes: Total number of prisoners of war repatriated by the high commissioner of the League of Nations with the assistance of the international committee of the Red Cross from May, 1920, to July, 1922 (a.) Prisoners repatriated from Russia and Siberia:

(1) Via Baltic Austria.ns and ______________________ overland- ..:, ______ _

Americans ____________________________ _ 16,961 Armenians ____________________________ _ 7 Belgians------------------------------­ 9

British--------------------------------- Btagarians ____________________________ _ 20

Danes Czechoslovaks-------------------------- _________________________________ _ 27,120 French Estonians------------------------------ ________________________________ _ 11 crernaans ______________________________ _ 8

33,903 crreeks--------------------------------- 4 Hungarians Japanese ______________________________ ---------------------------- _ 36,097 . Italians _______________________________ _ 1

1,417

Letts---------------------------------- Lithuanians ___________________________ _ 11 Poles---------------------------------­ 7,961 Rumanians-------------- Russians ______________________________ · --------------- _ 18,140 Swedes--------------------------------­ 18 Svnss---------------------------------- 1,162 ~ks Ukrainians _____________ ____________________________ -------------------- _ 113 Yugoslavs _____________________________ _ 11, 159

154,388

(2) Via. Black Sea: Argentinians________________________ _ ___ 8 Austrians______________________________ 630 Belgians------------------------------- 12 British_________________________________ 20 Czechoslovaks__________________________ 2,048 Estonians______________________________ · 5 FTench--------------------------------- 36 crernaans_______________________________ 1,997 Hungarians-------------------------- - - 1, 475 Italians________________________________ 133 Letts---------------------------------- 61 Poles---------------------------------- 1,746 Rumanians ---------------------------- 901 Russians______________________________ 20 Spaniards______________________________ 2 Swedes------------------------------- 5 Swiss_ _ ________________________________ 65 Yugoslavs______________________________ 621

9,785

Russian refugees from Constantinople___ 2, 406

12,191

- {b) Prisoners repatriated from Vladivostok: Austrians-------------------------------------- 814 Belgians--------------------------------------- 3 Bulgarian-------------------------------------- 1 Czechoslovaks__________________________________ 1,178 Germans--------------------------------------- 57 Hungarians------------------------------------ 2, 596 Letts------------------------------------------ 13 Lithuanians------------------------------------ 10 Poles------------------------------------------- 874 Rumanians------------------------------------ 649 ~ks__________________________________________ 19 Yogoslavs-------------------------------------- 607

6,851

(c) Prisoners repatriated to Russia: (1) Via Baltic and overland-

Russian prisoners of war _______________ 198,486

Interned members of soviet army _______ 47,712

In addition, a certain number of Estonians, Letts, Lithuanians, and Poles, of

Russian prisoners from Czechoslovakia,

Austria, and Hungary, and of Hungarian communists were repatriated, making the · total of prisoners repatriated to

Russia via Baltic and overland _______ 251, 703 (2) Via VladivostokRussians________________________________ 2, 753

Total:

Via Baltic Sea and overland ____ 406, 091 Via Black Sea __________________ 12,191 Via Vladivostok________________ 4, 604 427,886 N. B.-These figures are to be taken as provisional only, the final returns concerning distribution between various nationallties not having yet been received.

The secretary general, after reading this report, suggested that the reference to the International Red Cross committee be brought to the attention of that committee, and that the council add its own thanks to the committee.

Mr. Hanotaux agreed. He pointed out that Doctor Nansen had left himself out of account, and said that the council should take this last opportunity of stating that Doctor Nansen had distinguished himself as much in great works of charity as in science; that numberless families owed him a debt of gratitude; that in compensation for its evils, war gave rise to great virtues; that Doctor Nansen was the . embodiment of courage and charity; that the work of repatriation was one of the league's greatest achievements, and Docton Nansen had carried it out most worthily.

The council agreed to transmit the last paragraph of Doctor Nansen's report and its own thanks to Doctor Nansen, and to express to Doctor Nansen its deep gratitude for his great services.

llUSSIAN REFUGEES

The secretary general read the report of Doctor Nansen, in the latter's absence, on the work in connection with Russian refugees, adding that Doctor Nansen would soon arrive and would develop and amplify the report before the assembly.

The report stated that Doct.or Nansen had appointed a special committee at Constantinople to assist him in administering the fund of 30,000 pounds contributed by member nations of the league and the American Red Cross for the evacuation of Russian refugees from Constantinople; the committee consisting of Colonel Proctor and Mr. Burnier, delegates of the high commission (Doctor Nansen); Mr. Ringland, representing the American relief administration; and Major Davis, of the American Red Cross. Admiral Bristol, United States high commissioner at Constantinople, had approved the American appointments and had agreed to aid the committee. The organization perfected by Doctor Nansen had been instrumental in getting 10,000 Russian refugees out of Constantinople, and in getting permanent employment for about 1,000 in the vicinity. Approximately 18,000 were still to be dealt with in Constantinople, all of whom, however, were not destitute. The acute part of the problem related to the 10,000 now being fed by ' the American relief administration. Arrangements have been made with Bulgaria and the Russian Red Cross in Bulgaria for the evacua- accepted. tion of about 1,000 Russian invalids and other families into Bulgaria, the Russian Red Cross to assume responsibility for them after their arrival. Steps were being taken for the repatriation of about 1,000 Siberians from Constantinople to Vladivostok. Negotiations were under way with the Jewish Colonies Association and the central Zionist committee for transfer of about 600 Jewish refugees to Palestine, where Jewish organizations were preparing employment for them. On the suggestion of the American Relief Association, the American Red Cross, and on solicitation from representatives of the Soviet Government and refugee organizations, steps for reparation all of or a large part of Russian refugees in Europe were being considered by Doctor Nansen.

ADVISORY OPINIONS FROM PERMANENT COURT OF INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE

The Marquis Imperiali reported that the council had received from the Permanent Court of International Justice advisory opinions on the three questions the council had addressed to the court relative to the nomination of the worker's delegate to the Netherlands for the third International Labor Conference, the competence of the international labor organization in regard to agriculture, and the competence of the international labor organization in regard to proposals for the organization and development of methods of agricultural production and similar questions. The speaker proposed that the council transmit these opinions to the director of the international labor office, the director to be asked to communicate the opinions to States which are members of the labor organization, but not of the league. He understood that state members of the league had already received copies. The proposal was adopted.

REPAYMENT OF EXPENSES OF NORWEGIAN VILNA CONTINGENT

Mr. Irgens, representing the Norwegian Government, was invited to the council table. Mr. Hymans summarized the documents relating to expense of the Norwegian Government in raising troops for Vilna, stating that the question of repayment to a government of expense incurred in raising a special force had still to be settled. There was a precedent, he said, in the cases of Sweden and Denmark. The council had decided on May 12, 1922, that in view of the special character of expenses incurred by Sweden and Denmark, which were quite exceptional as compared with the normal expenditures of these countries, the sums in question should be repaid by a credit to the draft budget to be sent to all league members on June 4, and that Poland and Lithuania should be approached for repayment of sums for which they had been asked, and for sums now under discussion. Mr. Hymans suggested that in view of these precedents the council should renew its decision of May 12, 1922, and comply with request of the Norwegian Government.

The secretary general thought the proper procedure would be to submit the Norwegian Government's claim to the assembly as a supplement to the budget; that it should be left to the assembly to say whether sums like this should be regarded as recoverable. The secretary general's suggestion was agreed to.

MINORITIES IN ALBANIA

Mr. Frasheri, representing Albania, was asked to the council table. Mr. da Gama reviewed the question of minorities in Albania; said that the Albanian report of July 7, 1922, had been transmitted to members of the council; that it gave detailed information on the general elections of 1920 for the Legislative Parliament, on the education of minorities, and the situation of religious communities. He said that it had not yet been possible for the Albanian Government to submit to the Parliament the laws mentioned by the Albanian representative at the council meeting of May 12. He proposed that the council make note of the Albanian report of July 7, 1922, and instruct the secretary general to collect and submit to the council in due course further information concerning the legislative measures relating to legal status of religious communities, churches, convents, schools, and voluntary establishments of racial, religious, and linguistic minorities in Albania. The proposal was

MINORITIES IN ESTONIA

Mr. Pusta, Estonian representative, was invited to the council table.

Mr. da Gama, in a report on Estonian minorities, expressed the opinion that the obligation assumed by the Estonian Government in its declaration of September 13, 1921, implied the acceptance of stipulations conforming to those in the various treaties already in force for the protection of minorities. He said that such treaties had been concluded with Poland, Rumania, Czechoslovakia, and the Serb-Croat-Slovene State; that stipulations for protection of minorities had been inserted in the treaties of peace with Austria, Bulgaria, and Hungary; that these provisions relating to minorities had been placed under the guaranty of the league; that similar stipulations had been embodied in certain other treaties which had not yet come into force; that Albania in a declaration to the council on October 2. 1921, and Lithuania by declaration of May 12, 1921, had assumed obligations for protection of minorities generally similar to those in the various treaties.

He stated that the minority protection provisions of these treaties formed the basis of the third section of the GermanPolish agreement relating to upper Silesia concluded at Geneva May 15, 1922. That this section (arts. 64-158) contained detailed clauses relating to rights of minorities in both German and Polish parts of upper Silesia. He gave it as his judgment that the international obligations of Estonia as to protection of minorities should be defined in a declaration to the council of the League of Nations conforming as far as possible to these treaties. Inasmuch as representatives in council had not had full opportunity to examine his written report, and the comments of the Estonian representative thereon, he suggested that the matter go over to a later meeting of the present session. Agreed to.

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF COMMERCE

The secretary general reported that he had received from the president of the International Parliamentary Conference on Commerce a recommendation adopted at its eighth assembly expressing the hope that the council of the League of Nations would recognize the International Institute of Commerce as its organ for commercial documentation, without, however, interfering with its autonomy. The secretary general asked authority to forward the recommendation to the economic committee of the league, which was now considering the general question of organization of international statistics. The council instructed the secretary general to take this action, with a request that the economic committee consider the matter at its current session.

Fourth meeting (public), September 2, 1922, 11.45 a. m.

APPOINTMENT OF SAAR MEMBER OF SAAR BASIN GOVERNING COMMISSION

Mr. Tang Tsai-Fou reported that the appointment o! Doctor Hector as the member from the Saar territory of the Saar Basin Governing Commission would expire September 20, 1922; that representatives of certain political parties in the Saar territory claiming that the parties held 26 out of the 30 seats in the advisory council had recently transmitted to the secretary general of the league, through the governing commission, a request that Doctor Hector be not reappointed, and the further request that the population of the advisory council be permitted to suggest names of candidates possessing that confidence.

Mr. Tsai-Fou stated that a petition had been received through the governing commission from the Chamber of Agriculture of the Saar territory disagreeing to this request, and asking the appointment of Doctor Hector. Further petitions, the speaker said, had been received through the governing commission from farmers or farmers' organizations both for and against Doctor Hector's reappointment. The council adopted a resolution proposed by Mr. Tsai-Fou to the effect that Doctor Hector be reappointed for one year from September 20, 1922, and that the thanks of the council be conveyed to him for the services he had rendered to the League of Nations during his period in office.

APPOINTMENTS TO AND RESIGNATIONS FROM THE STAFF OF THE SECRETARIAT

The council received and offered a report from the secretary general of the league containing appointments, promotions. and resignations in the staff of the secretariat of the league since the last session of the council.

FINANCIAL SITUATION OF DANZIG

General Haking, Danzig high commissioner for the League of Nations, and Doctor Volkmann, representative of Danzig, discussed before the council and Mr. Askenaz.y, a representative of Poland, the report of the provisional economical and financial committee of the league on the financial situation of the Free City of Danzig, referred to the Danzig Government by the council on May 18, 1922. The reply of the Danzig Government and of the high commissioner, dated August 24, 1922, as well as the observations of the commissioner and Doctor Volkmann at the present meeting, were referred to the provisional economic and financial committee of the league for consideration, with the request for a further report at the earliest convenient moment.

NATIONAL STATUS OF INHABITANTS OF B AND C MANDATED TERRITORIES

Mr. de Leon reported on the question of the national status of inhabitants of Band C mandated territories which had been discussed at the August session of the Permanent Mandates Commission on the request of the council at its meeting of May 12, 1922.

The report of the commission proposed first, that in order to carry out the spirit of article 22 of the covenant, the native inhabitants of B and C mandated territories should be granted a national status wholly distinct from that of the nationals of the mandatory powers; second, that a special law of the mandatory powers should determine the status of these native inhabitants who might be designated as " administered persons under mandate " or " protected persons under mandate of the mandatory power "; third, that it was open to B and C mandatory powers to make arrangements in conformity with their own laws for the individual and purely voluntary acquisition of their nationality by inhabitants of these territories. The report then summarized the reasons for these proposals, setting forth in reference to the third, that it would be contrary to the spirit of the covenant and to the essence of the institution of the mandates to permit compulsory naturalization by a single act of all the inhabitants of B and C mandated territories-that the treaty of Versailles, by the terms of which the former German colonies were handed over to the principal allied and associated powers to · be administered on behalf of the League of Nations by powers called mandatories, contained no clause imposing the nationality of the mandatory power on the inhabitants of those colonies; that specific authority for a step of this kind would have to be found in the treaty itself.

The council decided on motion of Mr. de Leon to postpone final decision on these proposals, meanwhile to forward them to league members, requesting the especial attention of man- datory powers, and to inform them that the proposal would be discussed at the next session.

PETITIONS FROM INHABITANTS OF MANDATED TERRITORIES

Mr. de Leon reported on the memorandum of the British Government submitted to the council on July 22, 1922, and suggesting procedure in respect to petitions to the league by communities or sections of the populations of mandated territories. The speaker proposed that consideration be postponed to a subsequent session; that the British Government's suggestions be forwarded to the Permanent Mandates Commission with a summary of the council's procedure on petitions from minorities or from inhabitants of Saar Basin; that this commission be requested to report not later than the end of 1922; that the council would then be in a position to discuss the British Government's suggestions and to make suitable decision.

REPc;>RT OF HEALTH COMMITTEE

Mr. Hanotaux reported on the work of the health committee at its fourth session. which had been held at Geneva, August 14-21, 1922. He stated that the results of this work were given in a report which had been held at Geneva, August 14-21, 1922. He stated that the results of the work were given in a report which had been submitted to the council. This report may be analyzed as follows:

ANALYSIS OF REPORT OF HEALTH COMMITTEE OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS TO COUNCIL ON SEPTEMBER 2, 1922, ON THE WORK FOURTH SESSION (AUGUST 14-21, 1922)

This report just takes up the health committee's negotia· officials. tions with the International Health Board of the Rockefeller Foundation. It stated that the council at its nineteenth session had considered the correspondence between the International Health Board of the Rockefeller Foundation and the secretariat of the league; that the council had expressed its gratitude to the Rockefeller Foundation for its generous assistance in the construction work undertaken by the health organization of the league, and had invited the health committee to consider the details and the administration of the funds placed at its disposal for the purposes proposed by the Rockefeller Foundation. The report stated further that after thorough discussion the health committee had adopted the text of two letters, including a draft agreement to be • addressed to the secretary general of the League of Nations to the International Health Board of the Rockefeller Foundation. Appendix 1 of the report sets out the first of these proposed letters. This letter begins by referring to Mr. Wicliffe Rose's letter to Doctor Rajchman of June 14, 1922, in which he stated that the executive committee of the International Health Board of the Rockefeller Foundation at its meeting of June 12, 1922, had authorized the officers of the board to enter into an arrangement with the health organization of the League of Nations for the maintenance of an international interchange of public-health personnel on an international scale for a period of three years, beginning October 1, 1922, and for this purpose to commit the board for a sum not to exceed $60,000 for any one year.

The letter then stated that Mr. Wickliff Rose also suggested the formulation of an agreement which might be adopted to this end by the League of Nations and the Rockefeller Foundation. The letter then avers that the signer thereof, the secretary general of the league, proposed in response to this generous offer of the Rockefeller Founda· tion and with the approval of the council of the League of Nations that the suggested agreement should be embodied in the following articles:

1. This agreement is made between the League of Nations acting through the secretary general on the one hand, and the Rockefeller Foundation acting through the executive committee of the International Health Board on the other hand for the maintenance of an international interchange of public-health personnel on an international scale.

2. The health organization of the League of Nations to establish and maintain an international exchange of publichealth personnel as a separate branch of its work, to begin operations not later than October 1, 1922, continuing thereafter for not less than three years unless by mutual agreement between the league and the foundation some other arrangement is made.

3. The work of the interchange of public-health personnel to be conducted along the following general lines:

(1) To bring public-health administration in different countries into closer relationship with each other.

(2) To make comparative examination of the organiza· tion and of legislation regarding public health in different countries.

(3) To endeavor to obtain the cooperation of the publichealth administrations for the purpose of agreeing on a uniform standard of public health and uniform regulations. To bring about these objects it will be necessary-

A. To organize meetings of public-health officials from various countries and make it possible for these officials to remain for a certain time attached to the health services of other countries so that-

Ca) They may have opportunities of exchanging views on health problems.

Cb) They may have opportunities of acquainting themselves with the public-health organizations of those countries, with their methods of applying regulations, and with the duties of health officials.

Cc) To make grants toward the expense of sending from time to time a small number of health officials to study on OF TIU: the spot the public-health organizations in other countries, the methods of applying regulations and the duties of health (4) Annual reports of the administration of the interchange of public-health personnel to be made to the Council and Assembly of the League of Nations and copies thereof to be forwarded regularly to the International Health Board of the Rockefeller Foundation. Representatives of foundation to be kept closely and regularly informed of the activities of the interchange of public-health personnel.

(5) The Rockefeller Foundation to pay an annual subvention to meet the expense of the interchange of publichealth personnel, not to exceed $60,000 a year for each of three years, 1922-23, 1923-24, and 1924-25.

(6) The foundation to pay the annual subvention in quarterly installments beginning October 1, 1922, directly to the financial director of the secretariat of the League of Nations. (7) The financial director of the secretariat the of League of Nations to administer the subventions as a separate fund for the maintenance of the interchange of public-health personnel, to be known as the interchange of public-health personnel fund, and to make disbursements therefrom at the direction of the secretary general of the League of Nations after a budget has been approved by the health organization of the league.

(8) The special accounts of the financial director for the interchange of public-health personnel fund to be audited as directed by the council of the League of Nations. (9) Annual statements of account of the interchange of public-health personnel fund to be rendered to the council and assembly of the League of Nations, and copies thereof to be forwarded regularly to the International Health Board of the Rockefeller Foundation.

(10) These articles of agreement may be modified by mutual consent of the council of the League of Nations and the Rockefeller Foundation.

(11) These articles have been approved by the council of the League of Nations and will become effective on approval by the International Health Board of the Rockefeller Foundation.

The letter then states that the foregoing articles of agreement, having been approved by the council of the League of Nations, now await the approval of said board.

Appendix 2 of the report sets out the second suggested draft letter to the Rockefeller Foundation. This letter begins by referring to a letter from Mr. Wicliffe Rose to Doctor Rajchman of June 14, 1922, in which Mr. Rose stated that the executive committee of the International Health Board of the Rockefeller Foundation at its meeting on June 12, 1922, had authorized the officers of the board to enter into an arrangement with the health organization of the League of Nations for the maintenance . of a special international service of epidemiological intelligence and public-health statistics on an international scale for a period of five years beginning January 1, 1923, and for the purpose to commit the board for a sum not to exceed $32,840 for any one year. This second letter then stated that Mr. Wicliffe Rose also suggested the formulation of an agreement which might be adopted to this end by the League of Nations and the Rockefeller Foundation. It is next stated in this letter that the signer thereof, the secretary general of the league, proposed in response to the generous offer of the Rockefeller Foundation and with the approval of the council of the League of Nations that the suggested agreement should be embodied in the following articles:

1. The agreement is made between the League of Nations acting through its secretary general, on the one hand, and the Rockefeller Foundation acting through the executive committee of the International Health Board, on the other hand, for the maintenance of a special international service of epidemiological intelligence and public-health statistics on an international scale.

2. The health organization of the League of Nations to establish and maintain a special international service of epidemiological intelligence and public-health statistics as a separate branch of its work, to begin operation June 1, 1923, continuing thereafter not less than five years unless by mutual agreement between the parties some other arrangement should be made.

3. The work of the special international service of epidemiological intelligence and public-health statistics to be conducted along the folio wing general lines:

(1) The service to undertake to obtain, study, and distribute information regarding disease in different countries, including medical statistics, with the object of adding to the knowledge on which public-health measures, national and international, are based. To bring about these ends the service will-

(a) Study the simplest and most reliable methods of obtaining information regarding the incidence of disease and the progress of epidemics.

(b) Make a comparative study of public-health statistics of different countries.

(c) Study world distribution of particular diseases.

(d) Make a comparative study of the incidence of particular diseases in di . different countries and their public-health statistics with a view to determining the nature and practical significance of observed difference between them.

(e) Study the periodicity of epidemics and the factors which cause or influence such periodicity. ·

(f) Organize, with the concurrence of the public- health administrations of the countries affected, missions of inquiry regarding the development of epidemics, or for the other purposes heretofore indicated.

(g) Publish and distribute special reports and periodical bulletins.

(h) Review the public health of the principal countries of the world with a view to the issue, circumstances permitting, of reports on the subject as a whole.

(i) Organize a rapid interchange of information regarding particular diseases where immediate action seems necessary. (j) Employ at headquarters or elsewhere experts provided with requisite assistance and technical equipment.

The remainder of the articles and of the letter are of similar import as the corresponding portions of the first letter.

The report states further that after adopting these letters the health committee empowered the medical director to prepare for the Rockefeller Foundation a budget of the expenditure involved in the first scheme of interchange of public-health personnel for 1922. .

The health committee's report then takes up further the interchange of public-health personnel. It states that at its third session, held in May, 1922, the health committee had instructed the medical director to take the necessary steps to effect an interchange of sanitary staff between different countries. at least as a provisional and experimental measure, esteeming it of the greatest utility for sanitary officers to become acquainted with practical solutions of public-health problems as well as with the organization of public-health services in various countries. Accordingly, steps had been taken for a first experiment which would be tried at Brussels in October, 1922. Some 23 medical officers of public health would be commissioned by the public-health administrations of different countries-Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Italy, Poland, Russia, Serb-Croat-Slovene State-to proceed to Brussels. The director of Belgian public-health services would give a series of lectures describing in detail the working of the public-health services of the country and would explain the principles of Belgian sanitary legislation, and so forth. The medical officers would then make, for a period of two months, a similar study in various countries selected by their national health administrations, principally in Italy, Poland, and the Netherlands. The health committee had at this third session recommended, first, that the medical director proceed with the study and application of the scheme he had submitted for a collective system of interchange of public-health personnel during the present year; second, that he at once undertake negotiations for future experiments and submit further proposals at the next meeting; third, that he submit at the same time proposals for the most suitable means of interchange of public-health personnel on an individual basis and in respect of countries in any part of the world; fourth, that the plan for collective interchange of publichealth officials should, so far as theoretical instruction was concerned, provide for instruction limited to a study of health legislation and health administration, and should be based on a period of practical instruction in the health service of the country concerning which the instruction was given, it being understood that the instruction was intended above all as a preparation for the practical work; fifth, that the committee congratulated itself on the temporary cooperation of the Rockefeller Foundation in the organization of an interchange of public-health personnel and considered it indispensable to the completion and permanence of such an organization that the credit provided in the league budget for this purpose be retained.

The health committee's report then took up the report of the epidemic commission of the League of Nations, stating that the commission had been amalgamated with the health organization of the league in accordance with the resolution of the second assembly, and had been placed under the direction of the health organization and of the medical director in accordance with the council's resolution of January 14, 1922. Accordingly, the present report of that commission had been presented to the health committee for consideration. The health committee's report then proceeded to comment on the report of the epidemic commission, saying that it was doing a work of great value. It had aided in the establishment and maintenance of disinfecting, cleansing, and observation stations on the main routes by which infection was constantly being brought from Russia westward into the border states, especially Poland, in making improvements in hospitals for infectious diseases in internment camps and establishments for repatriates and refugees, and had helped in other ways in resisting disease.

I have concluded my summary of what happened in connection with the league from the time I left off 10 years ago to the meeting of the assembly of the league in September, 1922.

I now take up the third assembly of the League of Nations, which met at Geneva September 4, 1922. The session began on Monday.

THIRD AssEMBLY OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS, GENEVA, SEPTEMBER 4, 1922

First meeting Monday, September 4, 1922, 11 a. m.

ADDRESS OF ACTING PRESIDENT

The first meeting of the third assembly of the League of Nations was declared to be open on September 4, 1922, 11 a.m., at Geneva, by Mr. da Gama, Brazil, acting president of the council of the league. He said that his regret at being absent from Brazil on the first centenary of its independence was mitigated by the fact that he was taking part in an international enterprise of high importance, that the League of Nations had now become so integral a part of the political system of the world that it was already indispensable, that the annual reports of the activities of the council were the best retort to the critics and enemies of the league, that the assembly must have for its object the continuance of the work which had begun in a spirit of international cooperation, that there was no danger that the league would become a superstate, that the sovereignty of states remained unimpaired, that difficulties were inevitable but with perseverance and faith would be overcome.

APPOINTMENT OF CREDENTIALS COMMI'I"l'EE