NOTES ON INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
FROM JUNE 10 TO JULY 10
Prepared by Allan Westcott, Professor, U. S. Naval Academy
WORK OF THE SPA CONFERENCE
Preliminary Meeting at Boulogne.—At a preliminary conference of Allied premiers held at Boulogne on June 22 a note was approved and despatched to Germany concerning the reduction of her war materials and limitation of her army to 100,000 men. It was also decided that Greece should be authorized to undertake military operations against the Turkish Nationalist forces in Asia Minor, and that trade parleys with Russia should continue on the condition that there should be no question of recognizing the Soviet Government.
Brussels Conference Fixes Indemnity.—Meeting at Brussels on July 2, as a preliminary to the Spa Conference, Allied diplomats agreed definitely that the total sum to be demanded of Germany should be 6,000,000,000 pounds sterling (or 30,000,000,000 dollars at normal exchange), to be paid at the rate of 150,000,000 pounds a year for the first five years, and 250,000,000 pounds a year thereafter, with accrued interest.
The difficult problem of settling upon the division of the German reparation money remained undecided. According to the plan previously approved, France would receive 52 per cent, England 22 per cent, Belgium 8 per cent, and Serbia 5 per cent, leaving 13 per cent for Italy, Portugal and Japan. Italy, however, presented claims for 20 per cent which she suggested should be apportioned without depriving Belgium of any part of her share. It was finally decided that the division might properly be left until an agreement was reached with Germany as to what she should pay.
German Appeal.—A 50,000 word memorandum presented by Germany made no reference to the amount Germany would be able to pay, but requested the following concessions, as essential to Germany's economic recovery:
(a) Equality of Germany on "the most favored nation" basis in trade with her former enemies.
(b) No military reprisal measures without warning.
(c) Restoration to the German Government of control over all German waterways and means of transportation.
(d) Right to collect import duties in gold.
(e) Reduction of cost of occupation forces, below the cost of 3,000,000,000 marks for last year.
(f) Allotment of merchant tonnage up to 13,000,000 tons annually.
(g) Proceeds of German property liquidated abroad.
Against these claims, it was pointed out that the Allies might urge in the first place the fact that Germany is the only one of the warring European powers that did not contract a heavy foreign debt in the course of the war.
Results of the Spa Conference.—The meeting of German and Allied diplomats at Spa, in Belgium, opened on July 5, the program for discussion including disarmament, prosecution of war criminals, fulfillment of coal agreements, the Danzig question, and reparation.
Discussion of the reduction of the German army brought out the fact that of over 6,000,000 German rifles at the close of the war 2,000,000 remained unaccounted for, and that 1,000,000 men were still under arms. Germany pleaded that the government could not maintain peace, in view of the disturbed condition of the country, without an armed force of at least 200,000. Under Allied pressure, however, a protocol was signed on July 9, by which Germany agreed to complete the required reduction in six months' time.
In the matter of prosecution of war criminals, Germany requested further evidence and more time.
In general, the decision to include German diplomats at the Spa and later conferences represented a victory for British policy over that of France, and a virtual recognition of the fact that the terms of the Versailles Treaty are still a matter for debate. At the first contact with German diplomats the Allied powers maintained a united front.
LEAGUE OF NATIONS
Republican Plank in League of Nations.—The Republican Partystands for agreement among the nations to preserve the peace of the world. We believe that such an international association must be based upon international justice and must provide methods which shall maintain the rule of public right by development of law and the decision of impartial courts and which shall secure instant and general international conference whenever peace shall be threatened by political action, so that the nations pledged to do and insist upon what is just and fair may exercise their influence and power for the prevention of war.
We believe that all this can be done without the compromise of national independence, without depriving the people of the United States in advance of the right to determine for themselves what is just and fair when the occasion arises and without involving them as participants and not as peacemakers in a multitude of quarrels, the merits of which they are unable to judge.
The covenant signed by the President at Paris failed signally to accomplish this purpose and contained stipulations not only intolerable for an independent people, but certain to produce the injustice, hostility and controversy among nations which it proposed to prevent.
That covenant repudiated to a degree wholly unnecessary and unjustifiable the time-honored policy in favor of peace declared by Washington and Jefferson and Monroe and pursued by all American administrators for more than a century, and it ignored the universal sentiments of America for generations past in favor of international law and arbitration, and it rested the hope of the future upon mere expediency and negotiation.
The unfortunate insistence of the President upon having his own way without any change and without any regard to the opinion of the majority of the Senate, which shares with him in the treaty-making power, and the President's demand that the treaty should be ratified without any modification, created a situation in which Senators were required to vote upon their consciences and their oaths according to their judgment upon the treaty as it was presented or submit to the commands of a dictator in a matter where the authority under the Constitution was theirs and not his.
The Senators performed their duty faithfully. We approve their conduct and honor, their courage and fidelity and we pledge the coming Republican Administration to such agreement with the other nations of the world as shall meet the full duty of America to civilization and humanity in accordance with American ideals and without surrendering the right of the American people to exercise its judgment and its power in favor of justice and peace.
Democratic League Plank.—San Francisco, July 1.—The vital section of the Democratic League of Nations plank as adopted by the Committee on Resolutions with the final phrase added by the amendment of Senator Walsh of Massachusetts reads:
"We indorse the President's view of our international obligations and commend Democrats in Congress for voting against reservations designed to cut to pieces the vital provisions of the Versailles treaty and against resolutions for a separate peace which would disgrace the nation. We advocate prompt ratification of the treaty without reservations which would impair its essential integrity, but we do not oppose reservations which would make more clear or specific our obligations to the associated nations."
League Defers Action on Persian Appeal.—On June 16, the League Council in session in London notified Persia that action would be deferred regarding Russian occupation of the Persian Port of Enzeli on the Caspian Sea, pending the result of direct negotiations between Persia and the Soviets. In a note to Persia announced on June 15, the Soviet Foreign Minister assured Persia that the Soviet Government had "no designs against Persian independence," and that Russian troops would be withdrawn from Enzeli as soon as "Persian independence is guaranteed and she is no longer under foreign influence."
Repatriation of Prisoners.—In a report to the League Council at London, Dr. Nansen stated that there were still about 250,000 former prisoners of war in Russia, and as many more in Germany and neighboring countries. Exchange was going on through Esthonia and Finland, and he hoped to send home 60,000 Russians and an equal number of Germans before winter.
Financial Conference on July 23.—In a letter to the Supreme Council, M. Leon Bourgeois, acting for the Council of the League of Nations, stated that the League financial conference would be held at Brussels on July 23. M. Bourgeois urged the necessity of determining definitely at Spa the obligations of Germany and the general economic situation of the former central powers. He also pointed out the necessity of inviting German delegates to the Brussels meeting.
Work on World Court.—The first session of the commission for organizing a permanent court of international justice was held at The Hague on June 16. It was decided that the court should be permanently located at The Hague. It was also agreed that in at least five types of cases, involving interpretation of treaties, infractions of international law, or interpretation of court decisions, resort to the court should be compulsory. On July 5 it was decided that the Root-Phillimore plan for the selection of judges should be used. This plan provides adequate representation for small states.
Greek Offensive Against Turk Nationalists.—During the month of June Premier Venizelos of Greece secured the approval of the Supreme Council for a Greek campaign in Western Asia Minor against the Turkish insurgents under Kermal Pasha. With the cooperation of British naval forces, the campaign began about June 21, from both ends of the railroad from Smyrna to Panderma in the Sea of Marmora. It was ended July 2, with the junction of the two forces and complete occupation of the railway. On July 8, it was reported that the city of Brussa, 57 miles southeast of Constantinople, was held by Greek forces. Mudania, on the Sea of Marmora, was shelled and occupied by British naval forces on July 5.
Treaty Negotiations Postponed.—On June 26, the Turkish peace delegation presented a memorandum explaining their objections to the Peace Treaty in its present form, and on July 1, the Turkish Grand Vizier, head of the delegation, returned to Constantinople. The Supreme Council decided later at Spa that the treaty should be revised in details by experts to accord with the legitimate objections of the Turks.
Powers of Straits Commission.—Washington, June 16 (Associated Press).—Limited internationalization of the Port of Constantinople and its inclusion within the "zone of the straits" is provided for in the provisional terms of the Turkish treaty. This is disclosed by an official summary received here to-day of the jurisdiction provided for in the Interallied Commission of Control.
With its own flag, budget and separate organization, the commission will have authority over a territory considerably greater than some of the smaller nations of Europe. Made almost sovereign in itself, the commission is to be practically independent of the League of Nations, as stipulation is expressly made that should it find liberty of passage of the straits interfered with, it shall take such measures as may be deemed necessary to preserve the freedom of the straits.
The zone includes not only the Bosporus, Sea of Marmora and the Dardanelles, but also three miles off shore from the mouth of the Dardanelles and the Bosporus and the Aegean Islands of Samothrace, Imbros, Lemnos, Tenedos and Lesbos. A land zone also is provided, extending from ten to seventeen miles northwest of the Sea of Marmora and eight to twenty-eight miles southeast of it.
Its northwestern limit is partly common with the new Greek frontier, 52 miles west of the Bosporus, on the Black Sea; its eastern limit is 40 miles east of the mouth of the Bosporus, and its southwestern limit is partly common with the district of Smyrna, 55 miles southeast of the entrance to the Dardanelles. The zone also includes an area on the western side of the Gallipoli Peninsula which Turkey cedes to England, France and Italy for war memorials and cemeteries.
Regulations laid down for enforcement by the Inter-Allied Commission provide that:
No belligerent warships may remain within ports of the zone longer than twenty-four hours or take on food, stores or recruits.
The Dardanelles, Sea of Marmora and the Bosporus are to be open in peace and war to every vessel of commerce and war.
The straits are not subject to blockade.
No belligerent right to be exercised and no act of hostility committed within the zone, except upon special authorization of the League of Nations.
All military works and fortifications to be demolished, and no roads or railroads to be constructed within the zone for movement of mobile batteries.
Greece and Turkey are prohibited from constructing any new wireless stations within the zone; all present ones to be taken over by the Allied powers.
These regulations are to be enforced chiefly with naval forces and a force of special police recruited within the zone and commanded by foreign officers, as well as such military and naval air forces and guardships of their own as Great Britain, France and Italy may deem necessary.
In addition to the general laws pertaining to the administration of the straits, the commission is further charged with execution of any works considered necessary for the improvement of the channels and the approaches to harbors, the lighting and buoying of channels, control of pilotage, towage, anchorage and all matters relating to wrecks, salvage and lighterage.
Maintenance of the ports of Constantinople and Haida Pasha as ports of international concern, where the citizens, goods and flags of all countries belonging to the League of Nations shall enjoy complete freedom, is also placed within the control of the commission, which shall provide at the two ports free zones for the erection and use of warehouses.—Ar. Y. Times, June 17.
RUSSIA AND POLAND
Poles Retreat Before Red Offensive.—During the latter part of June and the month of July Soviet forces in great strength developed a vigorous offensive along the whole Polish battle line, concentrating their efforts on the northern front. The fall of the fortress of Rovno, on the Volhynia front east of Lutsk, was announced on July 7.
Falling back before the Russian advance, Poland issued a call for all able-bodied men and concentrated government administration in a military triumvirate. Defending Poland's war with the Soviets, the Polish Minister to the United States issued on July 9 a statement in part as follows:
The present difficult situation of the Polish Army is widely regarded here as the natural result of what is considered a short-sighted move in attacking Russia. It has been pointed out again and again that Poland, in the Ukraine offensive, was attacking national Russia rather than the Bolsheviki, thus placing the Soviet Government in the role of national defender against a foreign foe. It has been foreseen here for some time that the support thus brought to the Red leaders of Russia for the needs of the moment would be sufficient to crush the Polish efforts in that direction. Poland, it is pointed out, has united both Bolsheviki and loyal Russians against her.
The statement issued by Count Lubowurski says:
"The war which Poland is carrying on is not one of conquest, but exclusively one of defense. The Bolsheviki invaded Poland at the moment of its liberation, and we were forced to take up arms in our defense. We have no intention of going to Moscow, nor interfering in Russian affairs. We have not even passed the frontiers of Poland of 1772. We have not even asked for the territory which belonged to us before 1772. We have only wanted to protect those regions peopled by Polish subjects, to liberate them from the oppression of Bolshevism and to create around us friendly nations who will stand with us against the barbarism of the East.
"The propositions of peace of the Soviet Russia were not sincere. We knew they were preparing a great attack, and we wanted to avert it by a drive on their points of concentration, but the young Ukrainian Republic was not able to organize in such a short time an army sufficiently large to withstand the avalanche of Bolshevism.
Wrangel Advances in South Russia.—In the Crimea, the Anti-Soviet forces under General Wrangel, reorganized from General Denikin's defeated army, again advanced northward, meeting slight opposition on account of the Soviet concentration against Poland.
The British naval occupation forces at the Black Sea port of Batum have blown up the fortifications, with the view of evacuating the city before July 18 and leaving it an open port under control of the Georgian Republic.
Trade Parleys to Continue.—At the Boulogne Conference on June 22 it was decided that trade negotiations with Russia in London should continue, on the understanding that there should be no question of recognizing the Soviets. This decision represented a compromise of the divergent policies of Great Britain and France, Great Britain desiring to secure various political aims by holding out the prospect of trade, France opposing any action which might enable the Soviet Government to establish itself and repudiate the debts of the old regime.
On June 30 M. Krassin, the Russian trade delegate, left London for Moscow, ostensibly to consult his home government. This was regarded at the time as a rupture of negotiations, though later rumors appeared to the effect that he would be succeeded at London by M. Tchitcherin, Soviet Foreign Minister.
United States Removes Trade Restrictions.—On July 7 the United States Department of State issued the following announcement of the removal of restrictions on Russian trade:
"The restrictions which have heretofore stood in the way of trade and communication with Soviet Russia were to-day removed by action of the Department of State. Such of these restrictions, however, as pertain to the shipment of materials susceptible of immediate use for war purposes will, for the present at least, be maintained.
"Political recognition, resent or future, of any Russian authority exercising or claiming to exercise governmental functions, is neither granted nor implied by this action. It should be emphasized, moreover, that individuals or corporations availing themselves of the present opportunity to trade with Russia will do so on their own responsibility and at their own risk. The assistance which the United States can normally extend to its citizens who engage in trade or travel in some foreign country whose Government is recognized by the United States cannot be looked for in the present case, since there is no official or representative Russian authority with which this government can maintain those relations usually subsisting between nations.
"The action which the United States is now taking in nowise constitutes a recognition of the validity of industrial or commercial commissions granted by any existing Russian authority. American citizens availing themselves of the present relaxation of restrictions are warned against the risks incident to the acceptance of commodities or other values, the title to which may later be brought into question."
GERMANY
Cabinet from Middle Parties.—After difficulties and delays, a ministry was finally organized in Germany during the last week of June, under the chancellorship of Konstantin Fehrenbach, former President of the Reichstag. The Cabinet has the support of the "Middle" parties—Centrists, Nationalists, and Peoples Parties—with the "benevolent neutrality" of the majority Socialists. According to figures of June 15, the composition of the Reichstag is as follows:
Parties Deputies Popular Vote
Majority Socialists 110 5,531,137
Independent Socialists 80 4,809,862
Centrists 67 3,500,800
German Nationalists 65 3,638,851
German People’s Party 61 3,456,131
Democrats 45 2,152,509
Christian Federalists 21 1,254,963
Communists (Spartacists) 2 438,190
Bavarian Peasants’ Party 4
Guelphists 5 318,104
It will be seen that out of a total of over 25,000,000 votes, only about 5,000,000 were cast for candidates of the radical parties, the Independent Socialists and Communists.
The Fehrenbach Cabinet is made up as follows, Ministers Fehrenbach, Simons, and Wirth constituting the German delegation at Spa:
Chancellor—Konstantin Fehrenbach,
Minister of Foreign Affairs—Dr. Walter Simons.
Minister of Finance—Dr. Wirth.
Minister of the Interior—Herr Koch.
Minister of Defense—Herr Gessler.
Minister of Transport—General Groener.
Minister of Food—Andres Hermes.
Minister of Posts and Telegraphs—Johann Giesberts.
Minister of Economics—Herr Scholz.
Minister of the Treasury—Herr von Raumer.
—N. Y. Times.
AUSTRIA AND HUNGARY
Boycott of Hungary.—The International Federation of Trades Unions from its headquarters at Amsterdam issued on June 3 a summons for a boycott of Hungary in retaliation for the alleged persecution of labor by the Hungarian "White Terror." The boycott called for a complete stoppage of traffic and communication with Hungary, to be executed by the workers of Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Jugoslavia, and to begin on June 20.
Following the putting into effect of the boycott Hungary endeavored to retaliate by refusing to export coal and food supplies to Austria.
Austrian Cabinet Difficulties.—The Renner Cabinet in Austria resigned on June II. During the remainder of June President Seitz held conferences with leaders of the Socialist and Social Christian parties, in a vain effort to set up a new ministry. Both parties coveted the post of Minister of the Interior, because of its value in the impending elections.
ITALY
Albania Rises Against Italy.—After the conclusion of the World War, Italian forces remained in occupation of Albania, pending settlement of the Adriatic question in which the disposition of Albania was involved. In opposition to the Supreme Council's plan of January 20, 1920, which virtually divided Albania between Italy, Serbia, and Greece, President Wilson came out strongly for Albanian independence. Encouraged by the American attitude, the Albanians organized a provisional government, held a national assembly at Lushnja, January 28, 1920, and planned armed conflict with the Italian forces.
In June Italy began withdrawing troops to the Albanian seaports, and of these she finally retained only Avlona, under the protection of warships. On June 29 came reports of the capture of Avlona by the Albanians, but this was later denied.
Giolitti Returns to Power.—In June the Nitti Government fell for the third and last time. Former Premier Giolitti, suspected of pro-German leanings prior to Italy's entry into the war, came back into power. The Giolitti Cabinet, as announced on June 15, consists of prominent leaders of the Liberal, Catholic, and Radical parties. Admiral Sechi, one of the foremost naval experts, holds the naval portfolio, and Count Sforza that of foreign affairs.
In the Italian Chamber of Deputies the Socialists hold 156 seats, Catholics 101, Liberals 161, the remainder of the 518 seats being occupied by representatives of various small factions. Giolitti's power lies in his continued control of 60 of the 69 provincial prefects who supervise Italian elections, these being hold-overs from his long period of rule before the war.
IRELAND
Riots in Londonderry.—During riots in Londonderry, June 18, 19, and later, between Sinn Feiners and Unionists, five were killed, ten severely wounded, and many others injured. Incendiarism and food stoppage added to the seriousness of the situation in the city, military forces having difficulty in reestablishing order between the hostile factions.
Sinn Fein Assumes Control.—According to reports from Ireland, the newly organized Sinn Fein courts are rapidly superseding the crown tribunals, their decrees receiving popular sanction. Sinn Feiners are also enforcing regulations regarding the liquor traffic. Transportation in Ireland is in serious difficulties owing to the refusal of railroad workers to handle trains carrying government troops.
MEXICO
Villa Offers Terms.—Early in July a representative of the Obregon Government secured from the insurgent leader Francisco Villa an armistice agreement until July 15 and a statement of the conditions upon which he would cease his activities. These include his appointment as a general in the Mexican army, with a force of men to maintain order in certain districts of Chihuahua. Failing agreement to his terms, Villa threatens renewal of brigandage on a large scale.
High Commissioner to United States.—Senor Fernando Calderon arrived in Washington on June 28 as High Commissioner from Mexico with the rank of ambassador. Through his efforts it is believed that friendly and satisfactory relations may be established between the two countries, and the way paved for recognition. Congressional elections in Mexico are set for August 21, and Presidential elections for September 5.
Oil Commission.—It is stated that the Mexican Secretary of Commerce and Labor, General Trevino, will appoint a commission of prominent Mexicans to study the oil question, and will invite the participation of American representatives. Representatives of American oil interests now in Mexico are not favored for this purpose, because committed to a policy of American intervention.
FAR EAST
Japan Occupies Saghalien Province.—Pending reparation for the killing of Japanese troops and civilians at Nikolaievsk, Japan has taken military possession of the upper part of the island of Saghalien and the opposite coast on the main land. The government on July 3 announced its intention to withdraw its forces from other parts of Siberia, especially from the interior.
Washington, July 6.—Information received here is that the limits of the new Siberian Republic, which already has been recognized by the Soviet Government, probably will include the three Continental provinces of Trans-Bakailia, Amur and the maritime province which includes Vladivostok. These limits, however, remain to be defined by a boundary treaty.
Relations between the Japanese Government and the new Republic, it is said, will depend entirely upon the action of the Siberians themselves and the decision on their part to assume or repudiate responsibility for the massacre at Nikolaievsk.
Advices received here to-day from Japan say the anti-Bolshevist population has welcomed the Japanese forces which have taken military possession of the upper part of Saghalien and the opposite coast on the mainland as a result of the massacre. On the other hand, an active propaganda against the Japanese is being carried on by the sympathizers with the Soviet Government.
It is stated in well informed quarters here that the Japanese troops will make no hostile move against the new Republic unless attacked. At last advice exchanges were in progress between the military leaders on both sides with the design of arranging temporary boundary lines to separate the two nationalities and prevent hostile collisions.
Far Eastern Republic.—At the head of the recently organized Far Eastern Republic, with its seat at Verkni—Udinsk in Trans-Baikalia, is a former Chicago lawyer, A. S. Tobelson, now known as Krasnotchekoff. Tobelson came to Chicago from Russia in 1910, studied law, practiced in labor cases, and in June of 1917 went to Vladivostok, it is said at the invitation of his friend Leon Trotzsky. Here he became head of the Far Eastern Soviet.
Anglo-Japanese Treaty Renewal.—Tokio news despatches of early July announced the intention of British and Japanese diplomats to revise the Anglo-Japanese Alliance in conformity with the League of Nations covenant, and to have it ready for signature before the Prince of Wales visits Japan next spring.
Baron Okuma is reported as advocating an alliance in the following terms:
"Without the alliance," he asked, "what about the future of India, and that of China and that of Siberia? The fact is indisputable that for all the success the British Government has attained so far in the administration of India, there are many malcontents in that country. The facts should be particularly noted that the majority of the inhabitants of Northern India are Mohammedans, who are as militaristic as they are religious. Since the fall of the Turkish Empire there has been increasing unrest among them. To make the situation worse, the Bolsheviki are now very active on the borders of Turkestan and Afghanistan.
"At such a critical period as this nothing could have a worse influence on them than an impression that the Anglo-Japanese alliance is no more and that the Japanese would not interfere whatever might happen in India.
"The same theory may be applied to Japan as regards China and Siberia.
"Because of the Monroe Doctrine, the United States may be unable actually to participate in the alliance to be concluded between Great Britain and Japan; but if such participation should be made possible or should be desired by the American people, America would surely be welcomed into the group so as to form a triple alliance and thus maintain the peace of the Orient with greater efficiency."—N. Y. Times, July 2.
Foreigners Threatened at Peking.—On July 10 Generals Wu Pei Fui and Tsao Kun were reported to be advancing upon Peking along the Peking-Hankow railroad and threatening bombardment of the city, in spite of the warning of foreign diplomats against such an attack. The advance of the Chinese generals is against the dictatorship assumed by the Chinese leader Tuan Chi Jui.
The International forces at Peking number about 1400, the largest contingent consisting of American marines. About 3300 troops are available at Tien-tsin.