History of the American Negro in the Great World War / His Splendid Record in the Battle Zones of Europe; Including a Resume of His Past Services to his Country in the Wars of the Revolution, of 1812, the War of Rebellion, the Indian Wars on the Frontier, the Spanish-American War, and the Late Imbroglio With Mexico

by William Allison Sweeney

—The members of the league will be the signatories of the covenant, and other states invited to accede. A state may withdraw upon giving two years' notice, if it has fulfilled all its international obligations.

Section 2. A permanent secretariat will be established at Geneva. The league will meet at stated intervals. Each state will have one vote and not more than three representatives.

The council will consist of representatives of the five great allied powers, with representatives of four members selected by the assembly from time to time. It will meet at least once a year. Voting will be by states. Each state will have one vote and not more than one representative.

The council will formulate plans for a reduction of armaments for consideration and adoption. These plans will be revised every ten years.

Preventing War

—Upon any war, or threat of war, the council will meet to consider what common action shall be taken. Members are pledged to submit matters of dispute to arbitration or inquiry and not to resort to war until three months after the award. If a member fails to carry out the award, the council will propose the necessary measures. The council will establish a permanent court of international justice to determine international disputes or to give advisory opinions. If agreement cannot be secured, the members reserve the right to take such action as may be necessary for the maintenance of right and justice. Members resorting to war in disregard of the covenant will immediately be debarred from all intercourse with other members. The council will in such cases consider what military or naval action can be taken by the league collectively.

The covenant abrogates all obligations between members inconsistent with its terms, but nothing in it shall affect the validity of international engagements such as treaties of arbitration or regional understandings like the Monroe doctrine, for securing the maintenance of peace.

The Mandatory System

—Nations not yet able to stand by themselves will be intrusted to advanced nations who are best fitted to guide them. In every case the mandatory will render an annual report, and the degree of its authority will be defined.

International Provisions