France and Italy A hint thrown out by Mr. Wickham
Steed in the Times of June 30th that the League might do well to reflect upon the appropriateness of Article XI of the Covenant in view of the growing Franco-Italian discord, has not been at all well received in France. It may be said that the hint was inopportune, but since the League depends for its eflicacy on the impulsion of public opinion (irrespective of its national label), there is always a case for sounding the alarm. The language used in the French Press is unfortunate, and, as Mr. Steed has since pointed out (in the Times of Tuesday) it belongs to an age of international relations that has passed away. Under the League system, the affairs of nations whenever they threaten a conflict, " cease to be private and become matters of public interest." Moreover, the Covenant,. and specifically Article XI, is no less an integral part of the Versailles Treaty than the Articles dealing with Reparations. For the French to say, that although they are " good internationalists," they may not welcome " international interference," is nonsense.
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