The Geneva Protocol

Question 1

What was the Geneva Protocol drawn up in reaction to?

Answer 1

The Corfu Crisis - which highlighted some of the weaknesses of the League

Question 2

When was the Geneva Protocol drawn up?

Answer 2

In 1924 - shortly after the Corfu Crisis

Question 3

What problem did the Corfu Incident reveal?

Answer 3

During the Corfu Crisis, Britain had wanted to respond militarily; France had not. This division made the League look weak.

Question 4

How would the Geneva Protocol address the problem?

Answer 4

If two members were in dispute (e.g. Britain and France) they could appeal to the Council to sort out the disagreement. Both members would have to accept the Council’s ruling. (So, in Corfu, had the Council ruled in favour of Britain, France would have also had to send troops in.)

Question 5

Would the Geneva Protocol have strengthened the League?

Answer 5

Yes - significantly.

Question 6

Whose idea was the Geneva Protocol?

Answer 6

British Prime Minister, Ramsey MacDonald’s

Question 7

Why was the Geneva Protocol not adopted?

Answer 7

MacDonald lost the 1924 general election. The new, Conservative government refused to approve the scheme.