The Structure of the League of Nations

The Structure of the League of Nations

1. Assembly

   • Meets once a year
     • In Geneva
   • Each country sends a representative
   • Decisions must be unanimous
   • Powers
     • Recommend action to the council
     • Admitting new members
     • The budget

2. Council

   • Meets several times a year and for emergencies
   • Includes permanent members
     • Britain
     • France
     • Japan
     • Italy
     • Non permanent members voted in for 3 year periods
   • Permanent members have vetoes
   • Powers
     • Formal condemnations
     • Order an inquiry
     • Arbitration
     • Sanctions
     • Military force

3. Secretariat

   • Kept records of meetings
   • Linguists
   • Very under staffed

4. Agencies

   • Committees to deal with major problems
   • Examples
     • International Labour Organisation
     • Slavery
     • Health
     • Refugees
     • Mandates (formerly German colonies)

5. The Permanent Court of International Justice

   • Settle disputes peacefully
   • No way of enforcing its rulings