Introduction and structure

Introduction

• President Wilson's 14th point.
• Aim to solve international problems peacefully, improve social conditions, and to ensure justice is done.
• All major countries to join and disarm.
• Disputes to be taken to league and protect each other if invaded.
• When league opened America did not join because of problems.
• Set up in Geneva (Switzerland).

Structure of the league

Council:

• Met 5 times per year + in emergencies.
• Sorting out disputes.
• Use discussion, military force and moral condemnation.
• Had veto to stop decisions being made.

Assembly:

• Met yearly.
• Recommended action to council and voted on: new members, new temporary members, budget and other ideas. Every country had a representative there.
• Permanent cause of international justice.
• Based at the Haig.
• Made up of judges to give legal advice but no real power.
• Can make decisions on border disputes.
• International labour organisation.
• Met once a year.
• Aim to improve working conditions / collected statistics.

Mandates Commission:

• Made sure Britain and France acted on interests of mandated countries.

Refugee Committee

• Helped return refugees after first world war.

Health Committee

• Educate people and deal with diseases.

Slavery commission

• Main aim was to abolish slavery.

Aims and objectives

• Discourage aggression
• Encourage cooperation (i.e. trade)
• Encourage disarmament
• Improve social conditions