February 14, 1933 (2)

Jonkheer Loudon, Netherlands, proposed the following committee on verification of credentials: Mr. Albert Mens- dorff-Pouilly-Dietrichstein, Austria; Mr. Tang Tsai-Fou, China; Mr. de Aguero Y. Bethancourt, Cuba; the Maharajah Jam Sahib de Nawanager, India; Doctor Velasquez, Paraguay; Mr. Leon Plucinski, Poland; Mr. Yovanovitch, Serbia; Mr. Fernandez y Medina, Uruguay. This proposal was adopted, and the acting president, suggesting that the committee should sit immediately, adjourned the meeting of the assembly.

Second meeting Monday, September 4, 1922, 4 p. m.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS

At the opening of the second meeting Mr. de Bethancourt, chairman and rapporteur of the committee, submitted the report on credentials. The credentials of delegates of the following states were found in order: Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, British Empire, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Persia, Poland, Portugal, Rumania, Serb-Croat-Slovene State, Siam, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, Venezuela.

ELECTION OF PRESIDENT-HIS ADDRESS

Mr. Augustine Edwards (Chile) was elected president of the third assembly. He thanked the assembly for what he called a tribute to Latin America, and to his native country, Chile, saying that the Latin American nations, on the eve of their periodical conference at Santiago, would be happy to receive from the assembly proof that they were regarded as essential to the great cause for the maintenance of peace and international justice. He said he was sensible of the responsibility he was assuming, of the prestige conferred on the presidency by his predecessors, Mr. Hymans and Mr. Karnebeek, whose examples he would try to follow; that to the first assembly had fallen the task of creating and beginning the work of the League of Nations; that the second assembly had instituted the Permanent Court of International Justice; that it would be for the third assembly to strengthen and coordinate the organization necessary to assure a general cooperation of the nations.

COMMITTEES

On the president's proposal the assembly decided, as in previous years, in accordance with traditional procedure, to appoint six general committees and a small committee to examine questions proposed for the agenda during the meetings of the assembly, the small committee to be composed of Mr. Hymans, of Belgium; Mr. Blanco, of Uruguay; Lord Robert Cecil, of South Africa; Mr. Erich, of Finland; Mr. Dissesco. of Rumania.

Third meeting, Tuesday, September 5, 1922, 12 m.

POSTPONEMENT OF ELECTION OF VICE PRESIDENTS

On the president's proposal, it was decided to defer the election of vice presidents until Wednesday morning, September 6, at 10 o'clock.

REPORT OF COUNCIL

The president proposed that the report of the council on its work and its measures taken to execute the decisions of the assembly be taken up and discussed in detail. The Count de Gimeno (Spain) asked if a question of procedure could be taken up before electing the six vice presidents and thus constituting the general committee. The president replied that though article 8 of the rules of procedure prescribed that the president should be assisted by the officers of the assembly in his conduct of the proceedings, this did not prevent the assembly from deciding as to the order in which it would deal with questions on the agenda. Mr. Hymans, Belgium, asserted that article 8 did not imply that the president could do nothing without consulting the general committee. By a vote of 18 to 16 the assembly decided to continue the discussion on the procedure to be adopted in dealing with the report of the work of the council.

Lord Robert Cecil (South Africa) said that while the president's suggestion was valuable there were objections, that on previous occasions the assembly had felt so strongly the difficulty of detailed discussions at the outset that it had decided to discuss in detail no specific item or proposal until it had been referred to a committee and until that committee had made recommendations; that this procedure had worked well. He said that without previous examination the debate on any question would, in his opinion, lose interest; that the president's proposal might lead the assembly to review in detail the action of the council, which would be contrary to the spirit of the covenant; that the debate on the report of the work of the council would be unduly prolonged. He proposed that no change in procedure should be made at the assembly then in session; that the president's suggestion be referred to the general committee of the assembly when appointed, and that general discussion of the council's report and the course and attitude of the league be had as theretofore.

The president stated that on reflection he agreed with Lord Cecil, whereupon Lord Cecil's proposal to refer the president's suggestion to the general committee was adopted.

Fourth meeting, Tuesday, September 5, 1922, 4 p. m.

GENERAL DISCUSSION OF REPORT ON WORK OF COUNCIL

Mr. Midhat Frasheri (Albania) conveyed to the assembly on behalf of his Government the gratitude of the Albanian people, stating that the anarchy which had prevailed in Albania in consequence of foreign interference had been supplanted by tranquillity; that despite all kinds of difficulties the country was moving toward order and progress; that this result was due in large measure to the activities of the League of Nations and of the commissions which had been sent to Albania. He said that the neighbor states which had opposed the admission of Albania into the League of Nations had been happy to collaborate with her in the common work of civilization; that it was to be hoped that difficulties still outstanding in the southern part of the country would be settled satisfactorily to both parties; that the Greek Government would not fail to appreciate the advantages, both for the peace of the Balkans and the world. of the existence of a free and independent Albania.

PROTECTION OF MINORITIES

Prof. Gilbert Murray (South Africa) extended his congratulations to the council of the league on the general success of its procedure for dealing with questions relating to protection of minorities, adding that it could not have worked so well without the cooperation of the governments concerned. He said that the action contemplated by the league was as much in the interests of the governments as of the minorities themselves; that there has been a new distribution of Europe; and that the new situation would be seriously threatened if permanently disaffected elements remained in any of the new states. He stated that the method followed by the council was one of discreet and informal conversations with the governments; that instead of making an international issue of every grievance, some one was sent to talk with the officials concerned; that thus very considerable grievances had been removed. The method was not completely successful, he continued, because he had himself received complaints from representatives of minorities who had said they were afraid to appeal to the league. He stated that security did not exist as long as there were such apprehensions; that it was the business of the league to restore security in Macedonia and to insure that the Jews might everywhere live like ordinary citizens.

He proposed this resolution:

That the questions dealt with in chapter 9, sections A, B, c. and D, of the general report to the assembly on the work of the council, be referred to a committee of the assembly, with the request to report thereon to the assembly, .in order that the latter may have an opportunity of expressing its considered view on these questions.

He disclaimed any desire in submitting the resolution to direct the assembly's attention to any particular action of the council but only to bring about discussion on the general principles.

The president stated that the resolution would be printed and circulated in accordance with article 17, Rules of Procedure.

RISING IN SOUTHWEST AFRICA

Sir Edgar Walton (South Africa) presented a report on the administration of Southwest Africa, relating to the recent native rising in the mandated territory. He said that the Government of South Africa had appointed a; commission of inquiry into charges against officers and men engaged in suppressing the outbreak; that he hoped judgment would be suspended until the report · had been seen.

The president stated that the report would be deposited in the library of the league, where it could be consulted by all delegates.

Fifth meeting, Wednesday, September 6, 1922, 10.30 a. m.

Election of vice presidents was taken up and the following chosen: Lord Balfour, . Great Britain; Mr. Hanotaux, France; Mr. Gomes, Portugal; Mr. Branting, Sweden; Count de Gimeno, Spain; Mr. Nintchitch, Serb-Croat-Slovene State.

DISCUSSION OF COUNCIL'S REPORT-BULGARIA AND QUESTION OF M.INO~

Mr. Radeff (Bulgaria) expressed a desire to pay tribute to the work of the council and the secretariat. He called attention to the difficulties, about the end of the preceding spring, between Bulgaria and the adjacent states-Rumania, Serb-Croat-Slovene State, and Greece-saying that the council's intervention at Bulgaria's invitation had immediately alleviated these difficulties and smoothed the way to a direct understanding between Bulgaria and her neighbors. He said that the question of minorities was one with which the council had had to deal, a question which closely concerned the work of consolidating the peace of Europe. He said that Bulgaria supported Prof. Gilbert Murray's proposal of the day before; that Bulgaria also had her national susceptibilities, but that he hardly believed that such susceptibilities could be wounded by the organization of a supervision over the application of clauses which Bulgaria had applied in principle and the consequences of which she had accepted. Bulgaria, he added. assented in advance to any procedure appearing to be necessary to assure the rights oi minorities as defined in the treaties, and approved any steps which might be taken for the maintenance of peace.

WORK OF COUNCIL--ALAND ISLANDS

Lord Robert Cecil reviewed the work of the council of the league during the past year. The conclusion of the convention for the neutralization of the Aland Islands had settled a question of great difficulty and complexity, an achievement entitling the league to universal gratitude.

SILESIAN QUESTION

He said that a convention regulating the details of the settlement of Upper Silesia had been negotiated between · Poland and Germany under the auspices of the League of Nations, the negotiations having been presided over by Mr. Calonder, nominated by the league, and all disputed points having been settled by agreement between the parties. He pronounced this a conspicuous success for the league.

ALBANIAN QUESTION

He said further, that the success attending the league in settling the Albanian question had been due in no small degree to the far-sighted self -control of the Serb-CroatSlovene State. The settlement of this question, he added, was a great achievement which, so Lord Balfour had publicly stated, could not have been accomplished by any statesman, organization, or machinery in the world but the League of Nations.

SAAR BASIN AND DANZIG

He said that he would like to ask the council whether it would not be well for the advisory council, assisting the Saar Basin Governing Commission, to collaborate in nominating the Saar Basin member of that commission, and whether it would not be advisable for the council to create a small, administrative subcommittee to handle the numerous details connected with the administration of the Saar Basin and the Free City of Danzig.

EUROPEAN HEALTH CONFERENCE AT WARSAW

He stated that representatives o! Germany and Russia along with representatives of the league had attended the European health conference at Warsaw, and expressed the hope that this was an augury of the time when the league would be representative of all the nations of the world.

HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS

He alluded to what he termed the important work of the league in suppressing the opium traffic, the traffic in women and children, the relief of Russian refugees, the repatriation of Russian prisoners of war, and stated that Doctor Nansen's work in repatriating 450,000 prisoners of war was a great achievement.

WAR BETWEEN GREECE AND TURKEY

Referring to the war between Greece and Turkey,- he said that the assembly or council under articles 3, 4, and 11 of the covenant was empowered to deal with any matter affecting the peace of the world; that .it was the friendly right of every member of the league to bring to the attention of the assembly any circumstances affecting international relations which threatened to disturb international peace; that the present activities of the league did not extend so far as to cover these obligations; that no appeal had been made and no opportunity given to the league to intervene in the war between Greece and Turkey.

RUSSIA

Taking up the question of Russia, he stated that no material progress had been made in dealing therewith; that the league, if" it had intervened more decisively the year before, might have lessened the horrors of famine and opened the door for renewal of commercial intercourse between the Russian people and the rest of the world; that at present there was seemingly little the league could do, but he was glad to hear that the council had begun an inquiry into the present situation in Russia.

AUSTRIAN QUESTION AND EUROPEAN FINANCIAL SITUATION

Turning to the question of Austria, he said that this was under consideration by the council and he would abstain from comment; that this question, however, was only part of the great economic crisis threatening Europe; that it was believed by some authorities that Germany would shortly be in the same position as Austria. He said that the Austrian question turned upon the problem of reparations and intergovernmental indebtedness; that he would ask how long these questions would poison the international atmosphere: that all nations were affected and he would ask the assembly to consider carefully whether the league should not take some useful action in that regard before adjournment; that if the assembly did not do so there would be universal disappointment.

REDUCTION OF ARMAMENTS

As to armament reduction, he said that important proposals from the temporary Mixed Commission for Reduction of Armaments would come before the council that afternoon; that the proposals would aid in mapping out lines of advance in bringing about armament reduction; that it had to be admitted that the attitude of the international mind was not yet favorable to reduction, an attitude depending largely on the present economic situation.

He added that the league could not forever be barred from considering these great international questions, that it could not continue to exist merely to settle matters of secondary importance, that it must sooner or later take over the full responsibilities laid upon it by the covenant.

PROTECTION OF MINORITIES

Doctor Walters, Latvia, presented the following amendment to the motion of Prof. Gilbert Murray on the day before:

That the questions dealt with in chapter 9, sections A, B, C, and D, of the general report to the assembly on the work of the council, on the general questions arising out of the protection of minorities by all the members of the League of Nations be referred to a committee of the assembly with the request to report thereon to the assembly in order that the latter may have an opportuni t y of expressing its considered view on these questions and of laying down the main lines for the general protection of minorities in all States members of the League of Nations.

THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC

Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland, New Zealand, stated that the Bureau for Control of the Liquor Traffic should be transferred to Geneva so that its activities might be coordinated with those of other organs of the league, that the bureau should remain in Brussels for the current year, but that a date for its subsequent removal should be fixed by the assembly or the council.

REVIVAL OF SLAVERY IN AFRICA

Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland then said that there was reason to believe that there had been a recent revival of slavery in Africa, due to the continued existence of the traffic in arms and ammunition, that slavery existed at that moment in Abyssinia, the ruler being unable to suppress it on account of difficulties for which he was not responsible. He offered the following resolution:

The assembly resolves to refer to the appropriate committee the question of the recrudescence of slavery in Africa in order that it may consider and propose the best methods for combating that evil.

EASTERN CARELlA

Mr. Holsti, Finland, said that Eastern Carelia was still deprived of the autonomy which should have been granted it under the treaty between Finland and the Russian Soviet Republic at Dorpat on October 18, 1920, that steps taken as a result of the council's decision in January to settle the Eastern Carelian question had so far failed, that the Soviet Government had refused to enter into direct negotiations with Finland, rejecting the proposed reference of the matter to the council for impartial consideration, and that Finland had been unable to obtain satisfaction either through organs of the league or by arbitration. The Government of Finland hoped, he continued, that the council would keep up its endeavors in line with the principles of the covenant, and intended to ask through the council the advisory opinion of the Permanent Court of International Justice on the juridical aspects of the question.

Sixth meeting, Thursday, September 7, 1922, 11 p. m.

TRmUTE TO BRAZIL

The president proposed a message from the assembly to Brazil, which was celebrating the centenary of its independence, stating that the separation of Brazil from its mother country had been accomplished in a peaceful and friendly manner, that Brazil had been one of the founders of the League of Nations, and had incorporated into its constitution the system of arbitration.

Mr. da Gama, Brazil, expressed the gratitude of the Brazilian delegation, saying that Brazil would continue to make efforts to further the success of the league.

The president's proposal was adopted unanimously.

CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF REPORT ON WORK OF COUNCI~UPPER SILESIA

Viscount Ishii, Japan, said that the record of three years proved the steady and healthful development of the league and the weakness of the criticisms against it; that the settlement of the Silesian question was a tribute to the league's efficiency; that the great powers had admitted their impotence to settle it; that the league freed it from internal politics and found a just and equitable solution.

DISARMAMENT

Viscount Ishii said further that despite what had been accomplished by the Washington conference, the question of disarmament presented such important and difficult problems that the league would be compelled to examine them constantly with utmost care, that in this work the league would have the sincere and active support of Japan.

COMPETENCE OF COUNCIL AND ASSEMBLY

Mr. Motta, Switzerland, said that the council and the assembly were two coordinated bodies possessing equal competence, that the discussion on the report of the council to the assembly was no more than a general exchange of views on the work of the League of Nations, that a warm tribute was due the council for what it had done, but that entrance into questions of detail was impossible and dangerous.

FUTURE OF LEAGUE

Mr. Motta said further that since the second assembly international affairs had become more serious and that it might be asked whether the League of Nations was realizing the hopes of the peoples. There were two viewpoints, be said; first, the thought by some that the league merely supplied a method of international work and cooperation and should be confined to the creation of a technical nucleus for international conferences; second, the idea that the league should become a great organization giving expression to the views of all nations. He contended that under the second viewpoint the league could not remain inactive before the political, financial, and economic disasters threatening civilization, and said that the whole Swiss Nation approved the declarations of Lord Robert Cecil that the league must be all or nothing.

THE COVENANT AND THE TREATIES OF PEACE

Mr. Motta then averred that a distinction should be drawn between the treaties of peace and the League of Nations; that certain problems, such as reparations and the interallied indebtedness, must be settled outside the league, although it had been realized during the last three years that all the great international questions were interdependent; that all countries, for instance, were interested in the fall of the mark, and that the council should keep in mind certain aspects of this problem.

THE AUSTRIAN QUESTION

Referring to Austria, Mr. Matta said that it presented a very serious question; that thanks were due the council for having immediately taken up the question; that Europe was to be congratulated that there was a League of Nations to deal with it; that Austria might be assured that its territorial integrity and political independence would be safeguarded; that the league's solution would give to Austria the confidence and vitality essential to a State.

EUROPEAN CONDITIONS

Doctor Nansen, Norway, took the floor, saying that the council's report showed the league's increasing strength; that the economic condition of Europe was growing worse; that there was no ·salvation without the league; that Norway was especially affected by the economic crisis, and looked to the league as the only means for the alleviation of Norway's economic distress.

THE RUSSIAN FAMINE

Referring to the Russian famine, Doctor Nansen said that efforts of the previous year to induce the state's members of the league to take joint action had not been successful; that the Brussels conference, to which the matter was referred, had done nothing; that he believed it an error to refer questions requiring intergovernmental action on a large scale from the league with its permanent organization and machinery to temporary conferences with neither power nor will to enforce their decisions; that failure in this case had brought death to millions, the lowest figure being 2,000,000, and this, he believed, was an underestimate; that in the richest granary in Europe salted human flesh had been sold in the market places; that the survivors were much enfeebled, the famine having only been checked, not arrested. He added that the harvest was good, but insufficient for the needs of the people; that help now needed was in reconstruction, not charity; that accordingly the Norwegian Government had proposed that a commission of inquiry report on the economic condition of Russia and its effect on Europe; that the council had begun an inquiry, and he hoped it would create the commission; that it was essential to European prosperity that means should be found to put Russian agriculture on its feet again.

EPIDEMICS

Taking up the subject of epidemics, Doctor Nansen said that the Warsaw health conference had proved the imminent danger to Europe of epidemic diseases raging at the time he was speaking in Russia, and had made recommendations, asking what had been done to raise the money necessary to carry out these recommendations; that if nothing were done, the situation would be worse the next year; that the epidemic commission had done invaluable work with its limited funds; and that greater support for it was of urgent importance.

MANDATEs

Alluding to mandates, Doctor Nansen stated that in approving them the council had taken a great step forward; that the accounts given of the session of the Mandates Commission had caused the warmest satisfaction; that the council and the Mandates Commission could count on the support of all members of the league. He moved the following resolution:

The assembly, having taken cognizance of the documents of the council and of the Permanent Mandates Commission concerning mandates, expresses its general satisfaction with the great progress realized since the last assembly, and resolves to refer the mandates question to the appropriate commission for closer examination.

MINORITIES

On the subject of "minorities," Doctor Nansen said this was one of the most important problems facing the league, that 80,000,000 people in Europe had changed their nationality as a result of the peace treaties; that the league should secure the legal rights conferred on minorities by the treaties; that it was extremely important that Latvia and Estonia sign as soon as possible declarations corresponding to the treaties, as they had agreed to do on their admission to the league a year before; that he hoped negotiations between the council and these countries would soon be satisfactorily concluded.

DISARMAMENT

On the topic of "disarmament," Doctor Nansen stated that the temporary Mixed Commission for the Reduction of Armaments and the Permanent Armaments Commission were the most important bodies of the league; that it was most unfortunate, therefore, that the composition of the temporary mixed commission had not been completed until July 3 of the current year; that it must be encouraged in every way; and that it was urgently desirable that it should formulate a definite and concrete plan for the reduction of armaments. He stated that Lord Esher had presented a plan of disarmament; that the plan's difficulties were great, but could be mastered; that the task, however, of the temporary _ mixed commission had not been lightened by the council of the league. One member of the council, he said, had stated that it was not the duty of the commission to propose a scale of coefficients for the limitation of land armaments, another member agreeing, but holding that the freedom of the commission should not be restricted. Still another member, he continued, had said that in studying a scale of coefficients the commission was exceeding its powers and encroaching on the practical side of the question, a matter reserved for · the council and the governments. Doctor Nansen contended that such opinions were dangerous; that while final decision lay with the council and the governments, they could take no decision without a definite scheme on which to work. He added that the temporary mixed commission contained experts of every kind, was admirably equipped to devise a practical scheme as the basis of a final decision; that he hoped the commission would prepare a plan acceptable to the governments which could be presented to the next assembly.

AUSTRIA

Count Mensdorff, Austria, expressed gratitude on behalf of Austria for the statements of Mr. Motta and Doctor Nansen relating to that country, for the assurances of the former that Switzerland desired to assist Austria, and for the sympathy extended by Norway, an evidence that not merely the immediate neighbors of Austria but all nations were interested in helping one of the community of nations. He said that the council was handling the Austrian question, and that a prompt decision could be expected; that this question gave the league an opportunity to strengthen the high moral authority it had always · possessed by showing that it could bring about practical results.

Seventh meeting, Friday, September 8, 1922, 10 a. m.

(Continued discussion of council's report---comments of Earl

(Lord) of Balfour)

ALBANIA AND BULGARIA

The Earl of Balfour said that at the outset of his remarks he wished to thank the delegates from Albania and Bulgaria who had expressed their sense of the services rendered their countries by the council.

VISCOUNT ISHII AND THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE . NCE

The Earl spoke of Viscount Ishii's reference to the Washington conference, and said that while it had been held in & country unhappily not yet a member of the league, it had been animated by the same spirit which was guiding the league.

MOTTA AND AUSTRIA

The Earl then stated that Mr. Motta's reference to Austria showed Switzerland's strong desire to succor her neighbor. ·

CRITICISMS OF CECIL AND NANSEN

The Earl of Balfour next asserted that the criticisms by Lord Cecil and Doctor Nan,sen were prompted by a most sympathetic consideration for the work of the council, that freedom of speech was an essential principle of the league.

SAAR BASIN

Balfour then said that the responsibilities of the council in connection with the Saar Basin were heavy, owing to vehement propaganda carried on to insure that the plebiscite in 1935 would favor Germany; that machinery existed by which every grievance of the Saar inhabitants could be considered by the council; that the league's duty in the Saar Valley was to insure just government in the interest of the people; that propagandists were more desirous that the government of the Saar Valley should be discredited than that the valley should be well governed.

RUSSIAN FAMINE

The speaker next stated that the British Government had given for relief of the Russian famine stores of the value of £250,000 and that the response of private charity in Great Britain to the prime minister's appeal had been larger than in any other country.

EPIDEMICS IN RUSSIA

As to Russian epidemics, the speaker remarked that the nations of the world had been backward in dealing with this menace; that the council had on several occasions appealed for funds and the response was admirable but inadequate; that the necessity was still great; that the British Government was prepared to give £100,000 if all the other nations of the world would give £200,000; that it was very important that a considerable sum be raised at once to deal with a danger affecting not only Russia but all central Europe.

THE NEAR EAST-THE LEAGUE'S POSITION

Answering Lord Cecil's criticism of the league for nonintervention in the Near East, Balfour said that the league was not in this case assisted by treaties; that it had not to deal with two members committed by pledges to certain obligations; that it had no money, ships, or men; that it had only moral influence, which in this case-the war between Greece and Turkey-might be regarded as a forlorn hope. He added that the league's machinery had not been constructed to deal with the postwar calamities at the time afflicting the world; that the league was not well equipped financially for doing many things effectively; that certain critics called the league the fantastic product of idle dreamers, while others regarded it as almost a substitute for national organizations; that it was neither, and would reach its predestined ideal by slow stages and by careful remodeling of its machinery.

THE WORLD CRISIS AND THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Mr. Scialoja, Italy, said that the world was facing a period of crisis; that the war had been followed by a kind of disintegration, both as to international relations and within the states themselves; that the league might, never t heless, claim with pride that the most difficult questions of the day had been submitted to it. The league's founders, he asserted, had not claimed that the league would be perfect from the outset, the absence of strict sanctions being due to the fact that it was necessary to allow the nations as a whole to arrive gradually at an understanding of the new system of international relations. He asserted that, despite inevitable weakness, the league was the greatest force for cohesion between the people of the world in existence; that the council and the secretariat were to be congratulated on their work; l that great progress, for instance, had been made Wl h e question of disarmament. He stated that a JUSt apprec1a- tion of the league's activities was made difficult by the fact that its action was preventive, not conspicuous and generally known; that the league must gradually develop the spirit of initiative, emerging from a passive state mto that of concrete and drrect perfonnance.

AUSTRIA

As to Austria, Mr. Scialoja said it would be a great achievement if a resolution of the council and the assembly, after drawing attention to the importance to Europe of Austrian reconstruction, would lead to a removal of the difficulties which had caused certain states to hesitate in assisting Austria. He added that the council could do still more; that it might assure Austria and her neighbors that her international existence would be preserved, and that by coming to the aid of the Vienna Government the council might reestablish the confidence essential to the credit of Austria. He said further that the council might persuade the states succeeding the former Austrian Empire to apply the generous principles defined by Porto Rosa conference, · and to examine again the proposals of Italy. No member was more anxious than Italy, he said, for effective action by the council in this difficult situation, the effective handling of which would enable the league finally to assert its strength and vitality.

THE woRK oF THE LEAGUE

Mr. Bellegarde, Haiti, stated that the council's report showed that on two occasions at least the league had saved the peace of the world; that numerous problems of humanitarian, social, and intellectual character had been solved, a work which might be regarded as a preparation for peace by international cooperation. He said that notwithstanding all this, indifference and skepticism were gaining ground because the high hopes of nations had been disappointed; that at that moment while they were talking of peace in the assembly of the league, war between Greece and Turkey was devastating Asia Minor. He stated that league opponents too often ignored political and economic conditions, underrating the difficulty of settling a dispute and at the same time avoiding offense to the parties; that the league, in the interest of self-preservation, had to avoid rash interventions; that it was not yet the universal association which it must eventually become, but it might be confidently anticipated that among the great nations still absent from the league, the United States of America would not long delay her collaboration. He urged that the time had come for the League of Nations to be discreetly bold, saying that good will and confidence would increase its authority; that there would be no certainty of world peace until all questions dividing peoples were submitted to compulsory arbitration; that it was necessary for the league to create guarantees assuring respect for international public order.

MANDATE FOR SOUTHWEST AFRICA

Mr. Bellegarde then called attention to what he termed "extremely grave occurrences" in Southwest Africa, saying that Sir Edgar Walton had referred to a native uprising; that, according to the press, a punitive expedition had been sent against the natives equipped with all the modern resources of war, although there had been no act of rebellion or disorder; that it was inadmissible that women and children should be massacred under the auspices of the League of Nations.

He then presented the following resolution:

The assembly, highly appreciating the action taken by the Government of South Africa in communicating, 1n its capacity of mandatory power for southwest Africa, · the report of the Bondelzwart rebellion. 1922, moved by feelings of great anxiety for the welfare and relief of the survivors, resolves to express:

1. Its profound satisfaction with the official statement made by Sir Edgar Walton that a full and impartial inquiry will be made into all the facts of the Bondelzwart rebellion and its repression. 2. The confident hope that the permanent Mandates Commission at its next session will consider this question and be able to report that satisfactory conditions have been reestablished and that in the meanwhile the mandatory power will make every effort to relieve the suffering of the. victims, particularly the •t th women and children, and that it will insure protection and restitution of the remaining livestock and in general the restoration of the economic life of the Bondelzwart district.

MINoRITIEs on the question of minorities, Mr. Charles Pusta, Estonia, said that if a committee of the assembly should take up this question, he hoped an answer could be found to the following inquiries: What constitutes an ethnical minority? What is the number of nationals differing in origin, religion, or language from the majority of the population which might be treated as a minority in any particular state? What is meant by cultural autonomy? How should such autonomy be organized and what are its limits? Could the league, pending an international treaty concerning minorities, recommend its members to conclude special treaties for their protection?

Mr. Pusta then remarked that if the committee found satisfactory replies to these inquiries it might be able to prepare a standard treaty for protection of minorities; that no such treaty was in existence. He added that the Estonian Government had adhered to the recommendation adopted by the assembly on September 15, 1920, inviting the Baltic States on admission to the league to apply the principles of the minorities treaties; that the Estonian constitution, adopted in January, 1920, provided all necessary guaranties for the minorities in Estonia; that Doctor Nansen had said that Estonia had not yet made a declaration as to protection of minorities although she had undertaken to do so; that this question involved legislation and the sovereignty of Estonia; and that he asked Doctor Nansen to await the results of the negotiations in progress between the council and the Estonian representative.

THE PoSITioN oF THE LEAGUE

Mr. Trygger, sweden, averred that the league should not ignore the great questions of the moment in order to take up secondary matters; that a committee of the league has presented interesting reports on the economic and financial condition of Europe, but no appeal had yet been made to the conscience and common sense of all the States of the world; that the nations could not always be regarded as victors, vanquished, or neutrals, but as nations more or less compelled to unite in order to save civilization and the prosperity of the world.

MINORITIES

Doctor Walters, Latvia, referred to Doctor Nansen's statement that Latvia had not yet made a declaration to the league concerning minorities, stating that negotiations were under way between the Latvian Government and the council; that meanwhile Latvia had granted to her minorities equal rights with her other nationals; that the president of . the council had stated that in his opinion the provisions in force in Latvia corresponded in effect with the principles of the minorities treaties.

MESSAGE FROM CUBAN SENATE

The president read a communication from the president of the Senate of Cuba expressing the cordial good wishes of the Cuban Senate for the success of the league and the third assembly.

Eighth meeting, Saturday, September 9, 1922, 10 a. m.

(Continued discussion of council's report)

FUTURE OF LEAGUE-FIRST WORLD NAVIGATORS

Count de Gemeno, Spain, expressed confidence in the league's future, saying that it was at present in embryo, but timed developing spirit of justice. No matter what might be said, he continued, the Washington and Geneva conferences had in no way injured the prestige of the league. He added that Spain had just celebrated the fourth centenary of her great navigator, Sebastian Elcano, who had been the first to sail round the world, having been accompanied during a part of the voyage by the Portuguese navigator Magellan; that since universal peace was the purpose of the league it should keep in mind these navigators who had shown it possible for all peoples on the globe to join together in friendship.

J>ORTl:GAL'S REPLY

Mr. Teixeira Gomes, Portugal, expressed his thanks for the mention of his country and the work of Magellan.

MESSAGES TO SPAIN AND PORTUGAL

The president proposed that telegrams be sent from the assembly to the King of Spain and the President of the Portuguese Republic in honor of the two celebrated navigators who had been the first to sail round the world. Proposal adopted.

WORK OF COUNCIL--NATURE OF LEAGUE

Mr. Hymanes, Belgium, said that the criticisms of the council had been made in friendly spirit, that the council had been animated by a spirit of disinterestedness and mutual confidence, the manner in which the Silesian question had been settled being proof of this. Thanks to this spirit, he continued, and to the help of the high commissioner, negotiations between Danzig and Poland were resulting in a practical agreement. He said that tribute should be paid to the important part of the secretariat in the council's work, that the league had before it a large number of questions, such as health, public morality, economics, and finance, which served as a basis for political cooperation, that while some impatience was to be foreseen, the league could not remake the world and realize its ideal by a single stroke. He stated that the fundamental nature of the league must not · be forgotten, that the council and the assembly were composed of the representatives of governments, that while they had a certain liberty of action they received instructions and when they voted committed their governments, that it was this fact which gave the league its authority, that the council could not deal with questions which their governments were discussing elsewhere, that in order to develop on useful lines and win practical results the league must be invited to discuss questions by governments themselves. He stated further that the league must gain the support of public opinion which ruled governments and would give the league a moral authority in place of material power, that the authors of the covenant had desired to create a new world, but it should be remembered that the peace which had been signed was not yet an accomplished fact, that the feeling of security was still lacking, and that as long as certain problems remained unsolved efforts for general peace would necessarily be slow. He added that if the league restored an independent Austria, a great task would be accomplished, that the Armenian problem which had disturbed the first assembly had not yet been settled, that this persecuted people had never lost courage, always hoping that a national home for them would be established, that it was to be hoped that . the great powers, dealing with Asia Minor, would not forget the Armenian people but would fulfill their promises, that it was the duty of all to carry on propaganda in every country, that public opinion must be directed toward the attainment of an idea combining the national ideal of justice with the European ideal and the ideal of humanity.

AUSTRIA

Mr. de Oliveira, Brazil, said that his country desired to respond to the appeal for Austria, that one of the league's first duties was to help a member threatened with ruin, that a remedy must be found for a situation whose consequences affected not only Europe but the world.

WORK OF COUNCil. AND COOPERATION OF SERB-CROAT-SLOVENE STATE

Mr. Nintchinch, Serb-Croat-Slovene State, expressed appreciation of the council's work, stating that it had acted prudently on the question of minorities and wisely in the Albanian controversy; that mutual trust now existed between Albania and the Serb-Croat-Slovene State; that the government of these states, inspired by the spirit of the league, had endeavored to better its system of communication in order to assist international commerce; to increase its production, and reduce its expenditure, especially military expenditure.

WORK OF LEAGUE

Mr. Hanotaux, France, stressed the importance of the league's achievements, saying that on several occasions it had contributed to peace in questions extremely complex, referred to it by the powers and was displaying fruitful activity in many different spheres; that it was wisely administering the territories placed under its control in the Saar and Danzig; that its actions were the best answer to criticisms; that new tasks were intrusted to it daily, the latest being the relief of Austria; that it was henceforth clear that if the league were suppressed, nothing could be found to replace it. He asserted that the cause of the league's success lay in its methods and in its spirit; that these methods consisted in careful preparation, in collaboration by an experienced secretariat, in keeping always in view the principles of right and the ideal of a peaceful human race; that article 1 of the covenant deferred the spirit of the league in obligating its members to loyalty and sincerity; that public opinion should have confidence in the league and allow it time to carry on a work strongly conceived and efficiently begun.

PROGRESS OF LEAGUE

Mr. Askenazy, Poland, said that the report on the council's work showed the progress made by the league; that the settlement of the Silesian question had been a brilliant success and the same might be said of the conference at War- saw, held under the league's auspices; that the league had begun an inquiry into the Russian situation; that Poland had the deepest sympathy with Russia, in whose economic reconstruction she was more interested than was any other nation. He stated that the league had generously devoted itself to the protection of minorities; that the object must be to create an atmosphere of peace in the countries concerned; that it was necessary therefore to avoid too frequent interventions from the outside, especially in the case of countries still young.

THE WORLD CRISIS AND THE LEAGUE-ACHIEVEMENTS OF LEAGUE

Mr. Jonkhier Loudon, Netherlands, said that the economic disturbance of the whole world caused anxiety to all governments, whether belligerent or neutral in -the World War; that it was right, therefore, for the league to deal with the problem and that it had already done much; that the Brussels conference had borne results and that the economic and financial committee of the league was working continuously, but tlie league's means were limited; that it was for the governments themselves, by direct negotiation, to solve the vast :financial problem, the greatest barrier in the way of universal restoration of prosperity. He said that although certain questions, such as interallied indebtedness and reparations, could not be handled by the league, still a great deal could be · done by way of general reconstruction; that Austria had been convinced that the league desired to do everything possible for her assistance; that the league had several questions under consideration, to wit, reduction of armaments, lowering of economic barriers between nations, application of mandates; that the work of the past justified the fullest confidence in the future, but the league would not reach its full strength until it was universaL

TRIBUTE TO LEAGUE-MINORITIES--GREECE RELATIONS

Mr. Streit, Greece, praised the league's wisdom and impartiality, stressing the importance of Professor Murray's proposal as supplemented by the proposals of the delegates of Latvia and Estonia, which were supported by the delegate of Bulgaria. He said that Greece was especially interested 1n the question of minorities-that a considerable Greek population, native of the soil, existed in countries under Turkish rule; that Greece had given to racial and religious minorities within its territories civil and political equality and had the right to require similar guaranties for Greek minorities; that it was unnecessary to remind the assembly of the long persecutions of the Christian Greek, Armenian, and other nations of Asia Minor and Pontus; that the assembly had been moved by the noble utterances of Mr. Hymans regarding Armenia; that there was no nobler task than the protection of these unfortunate minorities and that it was to be hoped that the league would support with its high authority any effort through a treaty for their protection. He expressed the hope that the intervention of the council into Bulgaria's relations with her neighbors and the direct negotiations between the countries would result in settlement, thus avoiding resort to the League of Nations. As to Albania, he said the Greek delegation could only repeat its declaration of the year before of the sincere desire of Greece to see Albania develop prosperously, independently, peacefully; that in this spirit Greece was negotiating with the conference of ambassadors as to the delimitation of Albania's frontiers and had already appointed a representative for diplomatic relations with Albania; that he hoped the commission of inquiry of the leagu-e still in Albania would be instructed by the council and the secretariat to extend its investigations to northern Epirus.

ARMENIA--cOMMUNICATION FROM LORD CECIL

The president announced a communication from Lord Cecil, expressing the desire, if events showed such a course desirable, that the assembly be invited at some future date to renew its interest in and sympathy for the Armenian Nation.

The assembly decided to submit this question to the committee on agenda for submission, if necessary, to the sixth committee.

CLOSE OF GENERAL DISCUSSION ON REPORT OF WORK OF COUNCIL

The president closed the gen-eral discussion on the report on the work of the council.

REPORT OF COMMrrrEE ON AGENDA

The committee on agenda recommended that Professor Murray's proposal on minorities, of September 5, and the ference; amendment thereto by Doctor Walters, of September 6; that Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland's resolution on slavery in Africa, of September 6; that Doctor Nansen's resolution regarding mandates, of S-eptember 7; and that Mr. Bellegarde's resolution regarding the Bondelzwart rebellion, of September 8, be added to the agenda of the assembly and sent to the sixth committee. Recommendation adopted.

ELECTION OF NONPERMANENT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

Mr. Tang Tsai-Fou, China, proposed the following motion:

The committee on amendments to the covenant is requested to draw up, during its next session, draft rules of procedure for the election of the nonpermanent members of the council in order that the third assembly shall have well-defined rules for the election of the four nonpermanent members of the council for the year 1923.

Referred to committee on agenda.

The assembly did not meet again until Friday, September 15, in order to give opportunity for committee work.

Ninth meeting , Friday, September 15, 1922, 10 11. m.

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT OF BRAZIL

The president read a message from the President of Brazil thanking the assembly for its good wishes on the centenary of · Brazil's independence.

GEORGIA

Mr. de Brouckere, Belgium, offered this resolution:

The assembly of the League of Nations, moved by the present unhappy position of Georgia, as a country invaded and · occupied contrary to the wishes of its inhabitants, writes the council to follow attentively the course of events in that part of the world so that it may be able to seize any opportunity which may occur to help in the restoration of this country to normal conditions. Referred to committee on agenda.

REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGENDA ON QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY LITHUANIAN AND POLISH DELEGATIONS

Mr. Hymans, Belgium, presented the report of the special committee on the retention on the agenda of the third assembly of the new question submitted by the Lithuanian Government and on the previous question raised by the Polish delegation.

Report approved and the following resolution adopted:

The third assembly being requested by the Lithuanian Government to include in its agenda a new question drafted, as follows: "Protest against arbitrary actions of the Polish Government in connection with the territory of Vilna subsequent to the council's recommendation of January 13, 1922 ";

In view of the letter of the Polish Government raising the previous question;

In view of the reply of the Lithuanian Government dated September 6, 1922;

Approves the report presented for the special committee by Mr. Hymans, delegate of Belgium;

Decides in consequence that the previous question should be adopted as regards the Lithuanian complaint brought against the statute of Vilna and the elec t ions which the Polish Government proposed to hold in that district;

Maintained on the agenda the new question so far as it concerns abusive treatment alleged to have been infiicted on the Lithuanian population in the Vilna district;

And as it . is not desirable that the discussion of the Lithuanian allegations should be raised at the assembly before the competent committee has had an opportunity of investigating them, proposes to refer the question, thus clearly defined, directly and without discussion, to the sixth committee of the assembly which is responsible for the investigation of political questions.

REPORT OF SECOND COMMITI'EE ON WORK OF THE HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Mr. Chodzko, Poland, chairman, and Mr. Rivas- Vicuna, Chili, reporter, second committee, came to the platform and the latter read the first resolution presented by the committee to the assembly which was as follows:

1. The assembly notes with satisfaction:

(a) The assistance given by the health organization to the work of the health conference of Warsaw and notes also that the Genoa conference, having considered the Warsaw conference report in accordance with the request contained in the resolution of the council forwarded on April 3, approved the principles of the antiepidemic campaign adopted by the Warsaw conference and that ifi consequence of this :resolution of the Genoa conference, transmitted to the health organization by resolution of the council, dated July 21, the health organization has been charged with the duty of carrying on the program outlined by the con­ (b) That the health organization . has been authorized by various countries to undertake the duties of mediation entrusted to it by certain bilateral sanitary conventions which have been concluded as the result of the Warsaw conference and that the council has approved the discharge of these duties;

(c) The cooperation established between the health organization and the other technical organizations of the League of Nations, notably the permanent advisory conunittee on opium, the transit commission, and the mandates commission;

{d) The assistance given by the health organization in the work preparatory to the revision of the international sanitary convention of 1912 and the realization of cooperation with the " office international d' hygiene publique " thus etfected and the fact that the council has decided to place the organization at the disposal of the conference, which is shortly to be convened by the " office international d' hygiene publique ";

_ (e) The cooperation effected by the health organization in experimental research concerning the standardization of sera and serological tests, the first results of which will be presented to a conference which will be convened at Geneva in the near future; {f) The development of the activities of the health organization with regard to epidemiological intellfgence, which should not be limited to problems of importance to only a limited number of countries;

(g) The initiative taken by the health organization with regard to the interchange of the sanitary personnel of various governments, which system it desires, should be made applicable to as large a number of countries as possible.

2. The assembly desires to express its appreciation to the Rockefeller Foundation for the financial assistance that has been otfered to the health organization to assist in the development of certain of its activities.

3. The assembly considers that the health organization of the League of Nations is undertaking a task of permanent utility, and that it is i ndispensable that it should continue its activities. The assembly considers that it may be possible before the meeting of the fourth assembly to prepare on the basis and on the principles adopted by the first assembly for the technical organizations of the league the constitution of a permanent health organization which will be submitted to the fourth assembly for approval. In such case this organization will undertake the duties laid down in the resolutions of the first and the second assembly. It may , if necessary function meanwhile within the limi t s of the budget and in anticipation of the above-mentioned approval of the fourth assembly. To this end the assembly authorizes the council to take advantage of such general conference as may be convoked , it bein~ understood that all states members of the League of Nations shall be invited to send delegates thereto.

It also suggests to the council that an attempt be made at the forthcoming conferences to make such arrangements as may be necessary to avoid duplication.

Mr. Zumeta, Venezuela, said that in the opinion of the Venezuelan delegation the advisory and technical duties of the provisional health committee of the permanent health organization should be more precisely defined, that except in case of urgency and with the approval of the council its technical organs should not proceed to the execution of any plan except in conformity with a scheme previously submitted to the assembly for its approval.

Mr. Rivas-Vicuna, Chile, reporter for the committee, replied that the committee had considered the point raised by Mr. Zumeta and pointed out passages in the report which in his view met the situation.

Mr. Zumeta, Venezuela, accepted this explanation on behalf Of hiS delegation.

The first resolution was adopted.

Mr. Rivas-Vicuna, Chile, read the second resolution, which was as follows:

The assembly expresses the opinion that the persistence of epidemics in eastern Europe still constitutes a serious danger ~o the world and prejudices the reestablishment of normal economic I conditions in the countries affected by the epidemics and in the whole world.

The assembly notes that all the governments represented at I the International Economic Conference of Genoa accepted the principles of the participation of all European States m the expenditure necessary for the antiepidemic campaign and agreed to intrust the direction of this campaign to the temporary epidemic commission.

The assembly has taken note of considerable financial effort made by the states contiguous to Russia in order to carry on the campaign in their own territories.

The assembly notes that in conformity with the Genoa resolution, the British Government has . offered a contribution of £100,000 to the temporary epidemic commission, subject to the condition that the total contributions of other governments should equal a sum of not less than £200,000, and that the council has decided to acquaint the delegations of all members of the League of Nations present at the assembly with this offer, asking them, 1f possible before the end of the assembly, to make an announcement regarding the assistance which their respective governments will be ready to furnish. The assembly hopes that the members of the admitted. League of Nations will be able to respond at an early date .

The second resolution was adopted.

Mr. Rivos Vicuna, Chili, read the third resolution which was as follows:

The assembly notes that hitherto the temporary epidemic commission. of which the funds are provided entirely by voluntary contributions intended for the campaign against epidemics and freely granted by certain states, has undertaken a series of epidemiological inquiries and has established a closer cooperation form. with the technical administrations, necessary in view of the aim which it pursues; but that its activities have been made use of by the health organization for its own requirements; and

Whereas, under these circumstances, it does not seem equitable that the cost of the work, in which all the states are interested, should be borne only · by certain states, and this expenditure should rather be provided for under the ordinary budget of the league; Whereas, it is not admissible that these sums should be paid out of the contributions made by certain states for the clear and well-defined purpose of the campaign against epidemics properly so-called; and

Whereas, the effective continuation of this work and regard for its best results, from the economic point of view, renders it desirable that the temporary epidemic commission should continue to be entrusted with it:

Decides that the sum of francs shall be included in the budget of the health organization as a contribution to the temporary epidemic commission.

Colonel John Ward, British Empire, said it was suggested that 125,000 Swiss francs should be voted for the purpose of handling epidemics, that he had insisted, with a majority of the committee, that the word "temporary" should be placed before "epidemic commission" to show clearly that this sum was to be a temporary and not a permanent charge. This resolution, the third presented by the second committee, is referred to the fourth committee.

NONPERMANENT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

The president announced that he had received the report of the committee on agenda on the proposal of Mr. Tsai-Fou, China, of September 9, regarding the election of nonpermanent members of the council The report recommended that the proposal should be placed on the agenda and referred to the first committee. · Report adopted.

Tenth meeting, Monday, September 18, 1922, 11 a. m.

PROPOSED CHANGES ON PROCEDURE

The Spanish delegation proposed, through the president, changes in procedure allowing greater latitude as to the time of electing vice presidents and including a report on the work of the secretariat in the report on the work of the council. Referred to committee on ~genda.

STATUs oF EASTERN GALICIA

The Canadian delegation proposed, through the president, a resolution renewing the action of the second assembly in requesting the council to draw the attention of the principal allied and associated powers to the desirability of determining at an early date the status of eastern Galicia. Referred to committee on agenda.

ADMISSION OF HUNGARY

Mr. Loudon, Netherlands, read a report from the sixth committee unanimously favoring the admission of Hungary to the League of Nations.

Mr. Osusky, Czechoslovakia, said he deemed it his duty in the name of the Czechoslovak, Rumanian, and Serb-Croat- 1 I · t l · · S ovene de egatwns o call attentiOn to certain facts, that in reality compulsory military service had not been abolished in Hungary, as was proved by articles in the Hungarian press and by a decree of the Ministry for National Defense, that the allied military commission at Versailles had stated that a number of measures had still to be taken to insure the material disarmament of Hungary; and that t · f t d th t l"t f · ·1 · · c~r am ac s prove a equality 1 ~. o ClVl and political rights was not yet assured to all citizens. Nevertheless, ne continued, the Czechoslovakian, Rumanian, and Serb-CroatSlovene delegations recommended the admission of Hungary to the league m VIew of the solemn promise of Count Ban:ffy that the Hungarian National Assembly would ratify as soon as possible the obligations assumed by Hungary to the league ' o

A roll-call vote was taken and Hungary unanimously In the assembly's name the president congratulated Hungary on her admission, and invited the Hungarian delegation to submit their credentials and take seats in the assembly.

TRAFFIC IN OPIUM

Mr. Fielding, Canada, chairman, and Mademoiselle Bonnevie, Norway, reporter, fifth committee, came to the Mademoiselle Bonnevie presented the report of the fifth committee and read the following resolutions:

1. The assembly, being convinced that the most practical means of exercising control over the traffic in dangerous drugs is by means of the important export-certificate system, and believing that only international action can make this system a success, urges on all governments the vital necessity of adopting this import and export certificate system without delay.

2. The committee on traffic in opium inclines to the view that the governments which are parties to the international opium convention should be asked to agree not to issue licenSes for the import of opium or the other drugs to which the convention applies from any country which has not yet ratified and put into force the convention and adopted the system for the control of exports and imports approved by the assembly in paragraph 1 (3) of the resolution adopted on September 30, 1921, and previously approved by the council on June 28, 1921. The committee considers this question important and urgent, but recognizing the complicated and technical character of issues involved, it is of opinion that the matter should be examined in detail by the advisory committee of the league on traffic in opium before any definite action is taken. It, therefore, recommends that the assembly should request the council to convene a meeting of the opium advisory committee, as soon as possible, to study the question and should that committee report in favor of the proposal that the council should be asked to act on the recommendations of the advisory committee in the form approved by the council, at the earliest possible date, and without further reference to the assembly of the council considers such reference unnecessary. 3. The assembly being of the opinion that the first steps necessary in limiting the world's supply of dangerous drugs to legitimate use is a knowledge of the amount of drugs required by each country for internal consumption, urges the governments to supply the returns asked for with the least possible delay and with the greatest accuracy in their power. The various governments should, with a view to allowing comparisons to be made, state clearly the system adopted in arriving at the estimate and should supply a secondary statement showing estimated consumption per 100,000 inhabitants.

4. The assembly of the League of Nations again desires to emphasize the view expressed in the report of the advisory committee that as long as the drugs to which part 3, particularly article 9, of the opium convention applies, are produced in quantities exceeding the legitimate requirements, there is a great danger that the surplus will find its way into illegitimate channels, and that the control of production, so as to limit it to the amount required for medical and legitimate purposes, is the most effective method of putting a stop to the tlllcit trade. It recommends that the inquiry, now proceeding into the world's legitimate requirements, should be pressed forward as rapidly as possible, expresses the hope that a provisional estimate and scheme will be submi t ted to the assembly next year.

5. The a s sembl y, conv i nced of the urgent necessity of securing the fullest po s sible cooperation in the work of the advisory comm i ttee on traffic in opium and other dangerous drugs and considering the fact that the United States of America 1s one of the most important manufacturing and importing countries, recommends to the council of the league that it should address a pressing invitation to the Government of the United States to nominate a member to serve on the committee.

Mlle. Bonnevie, discussing the resolutions, insisted on the necessity for international cooperation, stating that the system of import and export certificates approved in the previous year by the assembly depended entirely on its universal adoption; that it had been adopted by a third of the members of the league; that even if January 1, 1923, should be set for the inauguration of the system difficulties would arise because certain states had not adhered to the opium convention. She said that the health committee was endeavoring to ascertain the medical needs for morphia and other drugs; that in the degree that the legitimate needs remained undefined illicit traffic would always be possible, and that it was necessary to have the cooperation of all countries.