3_Organisation of the League of Nations

Overview of the Structure

Bullet Points:

  1. The Covenant outlined the League’s structure and rules for each body.

  2. Main organs: Assembly, Council, Secretariat, Permanent Court of International Justice, International Labour Organisation (ILO).

  3. Also included Agencies and Commissions: Mandates, Refugees, Slavery, and Health Committees.

  4. Each part had a specific role in maintaining peace and solving global issues.

Paragraph:
The League’s Covenant created a detailed structure consisting of main organs and several agencies. Each body focused on a specific function—such as decision-making, administration, or humanitarian aid—to maintain peace and promote global cooperation.

I. The Assembly

Bullet Points:

  • The League’s ‘Parliament’, where all members were represented.

  • Met once a year.

  • Could recommend actions to the Council and vote on new members.

  • All decisions had to be unanimous, which made it slow and ineffective.

Paragraph:
The Assembly served as the League’s general meeting where every member had an equal vote. It could suggest actions and admit new members but only met annually, and its unanimous voting rule often delayed important decisions.

II. The Council

Bullet Points:

  • Smaller group, met about five times a year or during crises.

  • Permanent members (1920): Britain, France, Italy, Japan.

  • Temporary members elected for three years.

  • Each permanent member had a veto, allowing them to block decisions.

  • Main aim: resolve disputes through discussion.

  • Powers included:

    • Moral condemnation – naming the aggressor.

    • Economic sanctions – stop trade with aggressor.

    • Military force – use of members’ armies (rarely applied).

Paragraph:
The Council handled urgent matters and crises. Composed of both permanent and temporary members, it could impose sanctions or recommend military action. However, the veto power and lack of unity often limited its effectiveness.

III. The Secretariat

Bullet Points:

  • Functioned as the League’s civil service.

  • Kept records, prepared reports, and organised meetings.

  • Gathered experts worldwide on key issues like health, disarmament, and economics.

  • Played a vital role in supporting the League’s daily work.

Paragraph:
The Secretariat managed the League’s administration, research, and record-keeping. It coordinated experts and prepared reports on major global issues, ensuring the League’s decisions were based on accurate information.

IV. The Permanent Court of International Justice

Bullet Points:

  • Based in The Hague, Netherlands.

  • Comprised judges from member nations.

  • Settled international disputes peacefully, e.g., border issues.

  • Could advise on legal matters but had no power to enforce rulings.

Paragraph:
The Permanent Court aimed to solve disputes legally rather than through war. Although it provided valuable judgments, its lack of enforcement power meant countries could ignore its decisions without facing real consequences.

V. The International Labour Organisation (ILO)

Bullet Points:

  1. Brought together governments, employers, and workers.

  2. Aimed to improve global working conditions.

  3. Collected data and recommendations on labour standards.

  4. Tried to persuade rather than enforce changes.

Paragraph:
The ILO promoted fair labour practices and better working standards worldwide. It encouraged cooperation among governments and workers but relied on persuasion, as it could not force nations to adopt its policies.

The League’s Agencies and Commissions (4 main committees)

Bullet Points:

  1. Handled humanitarian and social issues beyond political disputes.

  2. Mandates Commission: supervised territories taken from defeated powers; ensured Britain and France ruled them fairly.

  3. Refugees Committee: helped displaced people return home after WWI.

  4. Slavery Commission: worked to abolish slavery, especially in East Africa.

  5. Health Committee: fought diseases, promoted public health education, and shared medical research.

Paragraph:
The League’s agencies tackled global problems such as disease, slavery, and refugee crises. These commissions, especially the Health Committee and Mandates Commission, made significant humanitarian contributions, helping shape international cooperation in later organisations like the UN.