ARTICLE 15 In the event of disputes between one State member of the league and another State which is not a member of the league, or between States not members of the league, the high contracting parties agree that the State or States not members of the league shall be invited to become ad hoc members of the league, and upon acceptance of any such invitation, the above provisions shall be applied with such modifications as may be deemed necessary by the league. Upon such invitation being given the executive council shall immediately institute an inquiry into the circumstances and merits of the dispute and recommend such action as may seem best and most effectual in the circumstances. In the event of a power so invited refusing to become ad hoc a member of the league, and taking any action against a State member of the league, which in the case of a State member of the league would constitute a breach of Article X, the provisions of Article XIV shall be applicable as against the State taking such action. If both parties to the dispute when so invited refuse to become ad hoc members of the league the executive council may take such action and make such recommendations as will prevent hostilities and will result in the settlement of the dispute. ARTICLE 16 The high contracting parties entrust to the league the general supervision of the trade in arms and ammunition with the countries in which the control of this traffic is necessary in the common interest. ARTICLE 17 The high contracting parties agree that in respect of territories which formerly belonged to the German Empire or to Turkey and which are inhabited by peoples unable at present to secure for themselves the benefits of a stable administration, the well being of these peoples constitutes a sacred trust for civilization and imposes upon the States members of the league the obligation to render help and guidance in the development of the administration. They recognize that all policies of administration or economic development should be based primarily upon the well-considered interests of the peoples themselves, upon the maintenance of the policy of the open door and of equal opportunity for all the high contracting parties in respect of the use and development of the economic resources of the territory. No military or naval forces shall be formed among the inhabitants of the territories in excess of those required for purposes of defense and of internal police. ARTICLE 18 The high contracting parties will work to establish and maintain fair hours and humane conditions of labor for all those within their several jurisdictions and they will exert their influence in favor of the adoption and maintenance of a similar policy and like safeguards wherever their industrial and commercial relations extend. Also they will appoint commissions to study conditions of industry and labor in their international aspects and to make recommendations thereon, including the extension and improvement of existing conventions. ARTICLE 19 The high contracting parties agree that they will make no law prohibiting or interfering with the free exercise of religion, and that they will in no way discriminate, either in law or in fact, against those who practice any particular creed, religion, or belief whose practices are not inconsistent with public order or public morals. ARTICLE 20 The high contracting parties will agree upon provisions intended to secure and maintain freedom of transit and just treatment for the commerce of all States members of the league. ARTICLE 21 The high contracting parties agree that any treaty or international engagement entered into between States members of the league shall be forthwith registered with the chancellor and as soon as possible published by him. ARTICLE 22 The high contracting parties severally agree that the present covenant is accepted as abrogating all obligations inter se which are inconsistent with the terms hereof, and solemnly engage that they will not hereafter enter into any engagements inconsistent with the terms hereof. In case any of the powers signatory hereto or subsequently admitted to the league shall, before becoming a party to this covenant, have undertaken any obligations which are inconsistent with the terms of this covenant, it shall be the duty of such power to take immediate steps to procure its release from such obligations. APPENDIX No. III LEAGUE OF NATIONS COMPARISON OF THE PLAN FOR THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS SHOWING THE ORIGINAL DRAFT AS PRESENTED TO THE COMMISSION CONSTITUTED BY THE PRELIMINARY PEACE CONFERENCE IN SESSION AT VERSAILLES, FRANCE, TOGETHER WITH THE COVENANT AS FINALLY REPORTED AND ADOPTED AT THE PLENARY SESSION OF THE PEACE CONFERENCE. PRESENTED BY MR. PITTMAN MAY 20, 1919-Ordered to be printed Covenant for the League of Nations Showing the Preliminary Reported Draft and the Covenant as Finally Adopted at the Plenary Session. In the revised text, the italics which are the author's show changes from the original, or new matter. The revised text has been corrected from the official text of the Versailles Treaty. PRELIMINARY DRAFT COVENANT In order to promote international coöperation and to secure international peace and security by the acceptance of obligations not to resort to war, by the prescription of open, just, and honorable relations between nations, by the firm establishment of the understandings of international law as the actual rule of conduct among Governments, and by the maintenance of justice and a scrupulous respect for all treaty obligations in the dealings of or DRAFT FINALLY ADOPTED PREAMBLE The high contracting parties, in order to promote international coöperation, to achieve international peace and security by the acceptance of obligations not to resort to war, by the prescription of open, just, and honorable relations between nations, by the firm establishment of the understandings of international laws as the actual rule of conduct among governments and by the maintenance of justice and a scrupulous respect for all treaty obligations ganized people with one another, the powers signatory to this covenant adopt this constitution of the league of nations. See Par. 1, Article 7. See Par. 2, Article 7. in the dealings of organized peoples with one another, agree to this covenant of the league of nations. ARTICLE 1 The original members of the league of nations shall be those of the signatories which are named in the annex to this covenant and also such of those other States named in the annex as shall accede without reservation to this covenant. Such accession shall be effected by a declaration deposited with the secretariat within two months of the coming into force of the covenant. Notice thereof shall be sent to all other members of the league. Any fully self-governing State, dominion, or colony not named in the annex may become a member of the league if its admission is agreed by two-thirds of the assembly, provided that it shall give effective guaranties of its sincere intention to observe its international obligations and shall accept such regulations as may be prescribed by the league in regard to its military, naval and air forces and armaments. Any member of the league may, after two years' notice of its intention so to do, withdraw from the league, provided that all its international obligations and all its obligations under this covenant shall have been fulfilled at the time of its withdrawal. |