A Guide to Diplomatic Practice

Sir Ernest Satow\u27s Guide to Diplomatic Practice was first published in 1917. It was the first systematic treatise on the practice and procedure of diplomacy to be printed in the English language, covering a field already occupied in other languages.... ...[T]he author compiles a wealth of data accumulated in research and long experience in what may perhaps be described as the professional diplomatist\u27s book of forms and precedents... It is chiefly a digest of diplomatic data intended to afford practical guidance in the routine of diplomatic organization, precedence and ceremonial, procedure, immunities, international congresses and conferences, the making of treaties and other international agreements, and the use of good offices, mediation, and arbitration. What the learned author set out to do, he has done in really excellent fashion

International Law

Professor Dickson reviews International Law, by C. G. Fenwick, noting that there are many such books available on the topic: monographs, casebooks, digests, collections of documents etc. He finds some of the material worthy of passing criticism and notes that The chapters vary somewhat in quality and quantity. But Dickinson also praises the fine tone of impartiality which makes it possible to present matters both recent and controverted in the restrained and temperate manner of the true scientist

The New Law of Nations

In these disillusioned years which are the aftermath of the World War the law of nations has come to be regarded in many quarters with a kind of sophisticated skepticism. It is freely asserted that the law has proved a futile reliance, that it has broken down, and it is asked--with an air of unbelief too obvious to be misunderstood--What is there that is ever likely to be done about it

International Aspects of Prohibition Enforcement

The Eighteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution prohibits the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes. 40 Stat. io5O, 1941. In the National Prohibition Cases. 253 U. S. 350, 386, the amendment was said to be operative throughout the entire territorial limits of the United States. As originally enacted, the National Prohibition Act did not in terms define its territorial field, but a supplemental provision afterwards enacted declares that the act shall apply not only to the United States but to all territory subject to its jurisdiction. 42 Stat. 222. In other words, its field expressly coincides with that of the Amendment

The Equality of States, a Study in the History of Law

This is a reprint in book form of three essays recently published by Dr. Goebel in the Columbia Law Review. The author attempts, as he himself has expressed it, \u27to indicate that the historical background of the doctrine of equality of states in international law is of considerable importance not only for the purpose of fixing the origin of the doctrine as a coherent principle of law, but also because it indicates how necessary and inevitable the notion has been from the very inception of international relationships in Europe.\u2

The Meaning of Nationality in the Recent Immigration Acts

Professor Dickinson\u27s commentary on the quotas involved in the Immigration Act of 1921 and of 1924. Until the more recent enactment the meaning of nationality was obscured in a curious ambiguity ... the Act of 1921 made nationality the basis of the quote plan.... Whether nationality was used in the scientific sense, however, meaning the character created by allegiance to a recognized nation or state, or whether its significance was arbitrary, referring only to such groupings as might be arranged by census makers or other such administrative officials, remained to be determined by judicial construction. Professor Dickinson then narrates how this created an intolerable situation amended by the Immigration Act of 1924

Waiver of State Immunity

English and American courts have come to regard it as \u27an axiom of international law\u27 that foreign states should be immune from suit in the national tribunals unless they to the expressly or impliedly waive their immunity and submit to the jurisdiction.... Yet it has not been doubted that states may waive immunity and submit to the local jurisdiction if they wish. In practice they frequently find it advantageous to do so. Some difficult questions arise when it becomes necessary to define the requisites of a waiver or to determine its precise effect in a particular case

International Political Questions in the National Courts

Much has been made of the principle, in England and America, that international law is part of the national law to be applied by national courts in appropriate circumstances. As Mr. Justice Gray has expressed it, in the Paquete Habana: \u27International law is part of our law, and must be ascertained and administered by the courts of justice of appropriate jurisdiction, as often as question of right depending upon it are duly presented for their determination...\u27 This principle is useful, where it is applicable, but it is subject to limitations which are sometimes inadequately appreciated ..

THE RECOGNITION OF RUSSIA

Revolution in Russia culminated, on March 15, 1917, in the abdication of the Romanoffs and the establishment of the Provisional Government. In November, 1917, the Provisional Government was overthrown by the Bolsheviki and the Russian Socialist Federated Soviet Republic was proclaimed. Thus in nine turbulent months authority in Russia passed from the autocracy of the Czars, through the ineffective hands of the moderates, to extreme radicals frankly committed to communism and the dictatorship of the proletariat

The Permanent International Court of Justice

For the first time in history leading powers both great and small have been able to agree upon a plan for an international court of justice. The plan was formulated last summer by an advisory committee of jurists sitting at The Hague. Since then it has been submitted to the Council and the Assembly of the League of Nations and has been approved. It will come into operation as soon as the project has been ratified by a majority of the nations belonging to the League