The League Covenant, a fundamental document, outlined the rules and principles governing the operations of the League of Nations. It was created through the collaboration of an International Committee consisting of influential leaders from major world powers. The Covenant served as the cornerstone for the functioning and decision-making within the League, providing the framework for the organization's activities and policies.
The League of Nations featured a comprehensive organizational structure designed to facilitate international cooperation and conflict resolution. Here's an overview:
- Membership: The League of Nations initially consisted of 42 member nations, eventually expanding to 55 by 1926 with the inclusion of Germany.
- Security Council: Analogous to the current United Nations Security Council, the League's Security Council initially had eight members, comprising four permanent members (France, Italy, Japan, and Britain) and four non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for three-year terms. By 1926, the Council had thirteen members, including nine non-permanent seats. Decisions within the Security Council required unanimous agreement, and its primary focus was on political issues.
- Peacekeeping Function: Disputes with the potential to escalate into armed conflicts were to be referred to the League. Member states resorting to war would face collective action by fellow members. The Security Council held the authority to recommend the allocation of naval, air, and military resources from each League member for unified action against aggressors.
- General Assembly: Comprising all League members, the General Assembly convened annually, making decisions by unanimous vote. Each member held one vote. The Assembly was responsible for formulating general policy and overseeing the League's finances. It also had the power to amend peace treaties, admit new members, elect non-permanent Security Council members, and select Permanent Court judges.
- Permanent Court of International Justice: Located in The Hague, Netherlands, this court specifically handled legal disputes between states rather than political conflicts. It featured fifteen judges representing various nationalities. The court later evolved into the International Court of Justice, continuing its operations within the United Nations framework.
- Secretariat: This support unit managed administrative tasks, including paperwork, report creation, and agenda preparation.
- Commissions & Committees: Specialized commissions and committees were established to address specific issues. Notable examples included those overseeing 'Mandates', disarmament, military affairs, as well as committees focused on health, labor, women's rights, drug control, and child welfare, among others.
This structured framework allowed the League of Nations to handle a wide range of international concerns, from political disputes to socioeconomic issues and legal matters, ultimately promoting global cooperation and peacekeeping efforts.
