The revision of the articles of the World Court justifies
the hope that the United States will at last be able to adhere to the Court. The reason why she has not hitherto joined the Court was that the other members could not accept her conditions, the chief of which was that the Court must not give an advisory opinion touch- ing " any dispute in which the United States had or claimed an interest " without first obtaining her consent. This, on the face of it seemed to be an American demand for a privileged position. Recently, however, the United States has explained that she wants no sort of privilege, but feels that she is at a disadvantage through having no vote in the Council or the Assembly of the League. As it is out of the question that she should surmount that disadvantage by joining the League, another procedure is proposed. When an advisory opinion is asked from the Court the Secretary-General of the League is to inform the American Government. If the American Government so wishes there will then be an exchange of views between the organ of the League and the American Government. Moreover, the Registrar of the Court must inform the American Government of any request for an advisory opinion, and the American Government will then have the right of securing a short delay for consideration.
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