ABSTRACT
The economic interdependence of nations was a growing reality throughout the nineteenth century, in spite of the resistance offered to it by Protectionist politicians. The International Economic Conference, held at Geneva in 1927 under the auspices of the League, was a remarkable symptom of this new attitude of mind. The Economic Conference consisted of representatives, not only from States which were members of the League, but also from the United States and Russia. The Labour Memorandum next deals with the “exploitation of economically ‘backward’ areas”. “In the rivalry and friction arising from” this process, it finds “perhaps the most fruitful economic cause of war”. On the subject of “tariffs and other trade barriers” the Labour Memorandum is in line with the recommendations of the Conference, but it makes more comprehensive proposals with regard to “permanent League Economic Organisation”. The principle of Mandates adopted in the Peace Treaties is of first-class importance.
