There is inevitably a great deal of overlap in positions. For example,
Irreconcilables would agree with many of the positions of Strong
Reservationists. Mild Internationalists would agree with many of the
positions of the Strong Internationalists.
Strong Internationalist Positions
The League of Nations has come about by no plan of our conceiving, but
by the hand of God who led us into this way. We cannot turn back. We
can only go forward, with lifted eyes and freshened spirit, to follow
the vision. It was of this that we dreamed at our birth. America shall
in truth show the way. The light streams upon the path ahead, and
nowhere else.
Any changes to the League Covenant are a rejection of the League.
It is my purpose to vote against the pending resolution of ratification
incorporating reservations adopted by a majority of Senators. I believe
the Senate is about to vote on an alleged resolution of ratification, a
resolution that does not ratify but which, in fact and in legal effect,
constitutes a rejection of this treaty.
Limited Internationalist Positions
The combined pressure of the world’s nations will prevent the
unlikely possibility that the U.S. could be forced into a war against
its will.
Mild Reservationist Positions
Nations horrified at their losses in the Great War will be careful in
negotiations, and good outcomes will result despite flaws in the League
Covenant.
It is necessary to remember that the lack of such a league in 1914
threw the world into the chaos of this war… The question of this
hour therefore is not whether a beautifully phrased and perfect
document has been written, but whether it is the best hope we have.
Strong Reservationist Positions
If the League ever adopts a plan to reduce armaments, the U.S. must
reserve the right to increase its armaments without the consent of the
council whenever it is threatened with invasion or engaged in war.
Specific and limiting changes to the Covenant must be made to protect U.S. interests.
The League would threaten U.S. sovereignty by requiring the U.S. to
follow directions from an international body, so all decisions of the
League must be considered suggestions only.
Irreconcilables
We cannot send our representatives to deliberate with the
representatives of the other great nations of the world with mental
reservations as to what we shall do in case their judgment shall not be
satisfactory to us.
They tell us the League of Nations will be a great brotherhood of
nations assembled; and that when those nations are assembled together
they will be a body devoted to the service of God and man without a
single selfish thought or a single iniquitous motive. Yet, at the close
of the war, many of those same countries that we are now told will
liberate nations and bring democracy to the people of the world seized
every foot of territory that was held by helpless people anywhere.
Shall we go to the League to help make decisions, and then if we think
that decision works for peace, join with our allies, but in case it
works for war, withdraw our cooperation?