56 A REVISION OF THE TREATY chap.

procedure by the Separation Commission as set forthabove, breaches or alleged breaches of this Treatyare in precisely the same position as breaches ofany other treaty between two Powers which are atpeace.

According to Article 17, in the event of a disputebetween a member of the League and a State whichis not a member of the League, the latter " shallbe invited to accept the obligations of membershipin the League for the purposes of such dispute,upon such conditions as the Council may deem just.If such invitation is accepted, the provisions ofArticles 12 to 16 inclusive shall be applied, withsuch modifications as may be deemed necessary bythe Council. Upon such invitation being given, theCouncil shall immediately institute an inquiry intothe circumstances of the dispute, and recommend suchaction as may seem best and most effectual in thecircumstances."

Articles 12 to 16 provide, amongst other things,for arbitration in any case of " disputes as to theinterpretation of a Treaty ; as to any question ofinternational law ; as to the existence of any factwhich, if established, would constitute a breach of anyinternational obligation ; or as to the extent andnature of the reparation to be made for any suchbreach."

The Allies as signatories of the Treaty and of theCovenant are therefore absolutely precluded, in the