Structure And Weaknesses Of The League

Question 1

The Assembly - Function

Answer 1

International Parliament, containing reps from each member, meeting once a year. Debated disputes, elected PCIJ members and divided budget.

Question 2

The Council - Function

Answer 2

Smaller group of nations which met more regularly. 4 permanent members (BRI FRA ITA JAP) and 4 temporary for a 3 year term. They can veto decisions that the assembly make.

Question 3

The Secretariat - Function

Answer 3

Responsible for organisation and carrying out of any action decided by the League. Made up of experts from different fields of expertise.

Question 4

PCIJ - Function

Answer 4

Solved international disputes. Any country could raise issues. 11 judges and 4 deputies with 11 year terms. Can only offer advice.

Question 5

Special Commissions - Function

Answer 5

Special groups put in place to tackle issues:
Intl. Labour Organisation, Health Organisation, Permanent Central Opium Board, Commission for Refugees, Disarmament Commission.

Question 6

Assembly - Issues

Answer 6

Losing WWI Nations not represented, USA, USSR not present, opinions not shown, only met once a year, votes had to be unanimous.

Question 7

Council - Issues

Answer 7

Had disproportionate power to the Assembly, could veto and pass unanimous or not chosen decisions, temporary members on,y had 3 years to influence.

Question 8

Secretariat - Issues

Answer 8

Couldn’t carry out military actions, meaning that they had enforcement powers undermined.

Question 9

PCIJ - Issues

Answer 9

Could only give advice in rulings with no actual power, 15 different judges led to lack of consensus.

Question 10

Special Commissions - Successes

Answer 10

Working Conditions: banning use of white lead in paint, improved working conditions.
Refugees: 400,000 POWs returned, installed refugee camps during a crisis in Turkey.
PCOB: Blacklisted 4 companies involved in the drug trade