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in one month all the measures prescribed by the resolution which had just been adopted. Why not leave it to the decision of the Government of the Netherlands to set the date for another Conference, taking into full consideration the desire of the Chinese Delegation that this date be as early as possible?
Dr. Hamilton Wright suggested that the proposal for a recess be referred to the Editing Committee for consideration.
The President did not agree with the Chinese Delegation that the Conference must still examine the possibility of ratification bij the Powers reprensented here. This examination took place at the second meeting when the different Delegations spoke on behalf of their Governments in this connection.
Dr. Hamilton Wright said that his Delegation agreed with the interpre- tation of Article 23 as given by H. E. Mr. Yex, and was in sympathy with the sug gestion that the Conference should not adjourn until there had been time to learn the decision of other countries, especially of those which had signed but which were not now represented. If the Netherlands Government acted upon the resolution, at the end of two or three weeks diplomatic machinery would be started and an indication would be given as to the countries which were prepared to ratify. The Netherlands Government would then be able to say whether on reassembling they would have a sufficient number of replies to enable them to come to a definite conclusion.
There had been no objection to any feature of the Convention itself: the American constitutional lawyers had examined it and pronounced it one of the most radical international documents ever written, and surprise had been expres- sed in his country at the unanimity of the nations. It would be unwise for the Conference to break up until the nations which had signed had at least indicated their intention not to send representatives, and until the Netherlands Government, following the terms of the resolution just passed, had made an attempt to secure further signatures and promises of ratification. (Applause.)
Sir William Collins thought that some protocol of cloture would have to be brought up to embody the roem which had just been passed unanimously, and it was also clear that Art. 23 could no longer stand as it did. The event contemplated by the second paragraph of Article 28 had taken place. The Powers which had signed had been invited to meet there again and they had examined the possibility of depositing their ratifications notwithstanding the absence of certain signatures. But that mandate was now exhausted and he thought it necessary to amend Article 23. The form of amendment might be referred to the Editing Committee whose duty it would be to prepare a protocol of clôture embodying the voeu they had passed.
Notice of the following resolution was handed in by the British Delegation: That it be referred to the Editing Committee to prepare and present to the next meeting of the Conference a protocol of clôture setting out the resolution which has been passed unanimously by the Conference and also sug- gesting an amendment of article 23 with a view to meet the situation which has arisen by the signature of the Convention by a large number of Powers and the abstention of a certain number.
The President said that it was just what he had himself proposed but that he was happy that the preceding discussion had occurred in order that the Editing Committee having heard it, might possess means for the solution of the important questions which they were about to consider.
His Exc. Mr. Marcellin Pellet believed that it would be more simple and logical to put to vote the proposal of the British Delegation.
Mr. Archer asked if it would be necessary, supposing they now deposited their ratifications, to meet again to consider whether they should be deposited or not.
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The President replied in the negative, but said that if a new Conference were necessary, their prosence would be greatly appreciated.
His Exc. Mr. Jorje Huneeus proposed, on behalf of the Delegations of Chile and Ecuador, the following resolution:
The Conference requests and authorizes the Government of Her Majesty the Queen of Netherlands to take all necessary steps toward the execution of the romur already expressed and for the earliest possible ratification of the Con- vention, as well as to set the date for the reassembling of the Conference, should such there be.
He asked that it be immediately put to vote.
His Exc. Mr. Marcellin Pellet opposed this proposal. The British proposal, which seemed to him practical and wholly opportune, shoukl not be lost.
The President remarked that under Rule VIII each resolution or view should, as a general course, be submitted to the President in writing, printed and distributed before its discussion and that it could not be voted upon in the course of the same meeting without unanimous consent.
His Exe. Mr. Jorje Huneeus believed that the object of his proposition was so clear that it might easily be discussed and then voted upon. The second paragraph of Rule VIII, prescribing that proposals could not be voted upon in the course of the same meeting without consent, had only a limited application. From the second paragraph of the Article this provision applied only to resolutions presented during the meeting, with a view of facilitating the work of the Conference.
The President ruled that the second paragraph of Rule VIII is applicable as a resolution is here proposed with the intention of securing international accord. In any case it would best subserve our labors if the Editing Committee should examine at leisure the different propositions.
Mr. Stenlo Vincent believed that the Conference would gain time by adopting the proposal of the Delegate of Chile.
His Exe. Mr. Gamboa believed that the Conference had diverted a little from the object of the meeting. The Delegates were assembled to announce whether their respective Governments were disposed to ratify. It seemed to him that the majority were so disposed.
On the other hand, the Conference had just unanimously approved the proposed resolution presented by H. E. Mr. DE MÜLLER On behalf of six Delegations. The Conference had thus made a great step forward toward the realization of the humanitarian goal toward which it strives. Why not disperse. therefore, congratulating ourselves upon the result and fix a period of one year, for example, for the delinquent Powers?
And why not vote immediately that the Editing Committee he charged only with the publication of the resolutions of the present Conference?
The President expressed himself as in accord with the proposal of the British Delegation and proposed that it be adopted.
It was put to vote and adopted by 18 votes and 5 abstentions (Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Haiti and Mexico).
After some discussion it was decided that the Conference reassemble next Tuesday at 11 o'clock A.M.
The meeting was adjourned.
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