THE COUNCIL OF FOUR


labour as other advanced industrial countries. We believe that the
Commission would have expressed itself in that sense, but for the
fact that the scheme was framed as part of the League of Nations.
But if the Germans are to be kept out of the League for any con-
siderable time, the Committee think that they should be admitted
earlier to the Labour Organisation.
The Committee would not suggest admittance before the Washing-
ton Conference.
(1) Because in their present temper the probability is that they
would use the occasion to create friction among the industrial classes
of other countries which have been at war with them;
(2) It would raise the further question of the representation of
other ex-enemy countries;
(3) The Organising Committee is already at work collecting
materials from Allied, Associated and Neutral Countries on- the
assumption that those only are to be represented. To bring in Ger-
many now would introduce an element of confusion and possibly of
iliwill.
We are of the opinion, however, that she might be admitted immedi-
ately after the Washington Conference. The further question arises
as to the terms of admission. Unless otherwise provided for she
would be entitled as one of the eight chief industrial countries to a
place on the governing body. We should give her such place if she
came in.
We are further of opinion that if the Supreme Council endorses
the admission as suggested above, the recommendations and conven-
tions adopted by the Washington Conference should be sent to the
Government of Germany.
Since this matter may also affect the League of Nations it is sug-
gested it should also be communicated to the Committee on the League
of Nations.
GEORGE N. BARNES (British Empire)
JAMES T. SHOTwELL (UJ. S. A,.)
ARTHUR FONTAINE (France)
G. DE GRUNNE (Belgium)
M. DUrASTA,
Secretary-General, Peace Conference


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