The Permanent Court of International Justice

1. On February 24, 1923, President Harding sent to the Senate a special message urging its “favorable advice and consent” to adhesion by the United States to the special protocol and statute establishing the Permanent Court of International Justice at the Hague.

   “Such action,” he said, “would add to our own consciousness of participation in the fortunate advancement of international relationship, and remind the world anew that we are ready for our proper part in furthering peace and adding to stability in world affairs.” He submitted also a schedule of reservations suggested by Secretary Hughes and recommended their adoption.

2. President Coolidge in his recent message to Congress said: “For nearly 25 years we have been a member of the Hague Tribunal and have long sought the creation of a permanent world court of justice. I am in full accord with both of these policies and favor the establishment of such a court intended to include the whole world. That is and has long been an American policy.

   “Pending before the Senate is a proposal that this Government give its support to the Permanent Court of International Justice, which is a new and somewhat different plan. This is not a partisan question. *** Partisanship has no place in our foreign relations.

   “As I wish to see a court established, and as the proposal presents the only practical plan, on winch many nations have ever agreed, though it may not meet every desire, I therefore commend it to the favorable consideration of the Senate, with the proposed reservations clearly indicating our refusal to adhere to the League of Nations.”

Present Situation in the Senate

1. The World Court proposal is now awaiting consideration by the Senate Foregn Relations Committee. Holdover members of this Committee from the last congress counted as opponents of “this Court” are Senators Lodge, Borah, Brandegee, Johnson, McCormick, Moses and Wads-worth, Republicans, and Shields, Democrat, New members of the committee counted as favorable to the court are Senators Lenroot, Willis and Pepper, Republicans, although each of these Senators is prepared to insist upon something more drastic than the Hughes reservations. Senator Shipstead, the Farmer-Labor member, has not yet defined his position. Senators Robinson, Underwood Thomas Walsh and Owen, new Democratic members of the committee, favor ratification of the protocol with the Hughes reservations. (For Hughes reservations and Lenroot and Borah proposals sec, page 89.)

2. ISSUE TRACKER for Related Reports

   BROWSE RELATED TOPICS:

   International Law and Agreements