66. To the final paragraph of article 10 the words "and any signatory
State thus called upon shall thereupon be entitled to exercise the
rights of a belligerent" were added at the suggestion of the British
representative. This addition was made to safeguard the position of a
State which, though no party to the dispute, joined in coercive
measures to uphold the Covenant of the League and in so doing took
forcible measures against the persons or the property of nationals of
another State.
_Article 16._
67. The relations between States signatory to the Protocol and States
non-signatory and non-members of the League presented a problem the
solution of which required great care. {246} The various aspects of
the question were thoroughly examined, and it was finally agreed that
it would be sufficient to bring the principle contained in article 17
of the Covenant into harmony with the provisions of the Protocol.
Sanctions can only be imposed on a State which is not a Member of the
League if it refuses to accept the conditions and obligations of the
Protocol when invited to do so, and resorts to war against a signatory
State.
68. The question was raised of the relationship between States Members
of the League signatory to the Protocol and non-signatory States
Members. After careful examination, it was generally agreed that no
special arrangement was necessary. The Members of the League are bound
_inter se_ by the Covenant and non-signatory Members are entitled, if
they wish, to prefer the procedure laid down in the Covenant to the new
procedure of the Protocol.
_Article 18._
69. Article 18 was inserted to satisfy apprehensions which had been
expressed in certain quarters. The British Delegation were not
convinced of its necessity, but saw no reason to object to it.
_Article 19._
70. Article 19 was inserted as a saving clause. It emphasises the
intention to preserve the Covenant as the principal document governing
the relations between States Members of the League. The relations
between signatories and non-signatories to the Protocol are still to be
governed by the Covenant. The Covenant is to stand, but it is to be
enriched by the principal provisions of the Protocol. The amended
Covenant is intended ultimately to take the place of the separate
régime of the Protocol.
_Resolution No. 1._