sample historic comm study guide

8/10/2019 Sample Historic Comm Study Guide

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Rato Bangala School ModelUnited Nations 2014

Study GuideLeague of Nations


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RBSMUN2014 Study Guide: League of Nations

Table of Contents

Message from the ChairIntroduction to the committeeHistory of the committee

Rationale for the League of NationsPowers and OrganizationOriginal Members

Topic A : Japanese Invasion of Manchuria

History of the topic Statement of the problem Current situation Proposed solutions

Questions a resolution must answer Bloc positions

Topic B : Abyssinia Crisis

History of the topic Statement of the problem Current situation Proposed solutions Questions a resolution must answer Bloc positions

Closing remarks

Bibliography


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3

Message from the Chair

Delegates,

Welcome to the League of Nations of RBSMUN 2014. It is here that you can, as representatives of yournation, shape the present and future of the world. This year we shall simulate a special conference ofthe League of Nations relating to events that were crucial to the build-up to the Second World War: theJapanese Invasion of Manchuria and the Abyssinian Crisis.

These events were dark days in the history of the League of Nations and consequently led to the SecondWorld War. This committee gives you an opportunity to interact with other delegates and get anopportunity to decide on a path for the world. Your actions over these three days will shape the futureof the League of Nations and the face of world politics. It is our expectation that you will be able to carveout a solution so that these crises can be resolved and the long-term implications of these events can beaverted.

The executive members of your committee have devoted time, effort and patience into drafting thisstudy guide. We suggest you go through the guide before doing any further research. Strive tounderstand the issues we discuss and follow up on them to fully prepare yourselves for the debate.Please note that we will be available to attend to concerns prior to the conference at any point of time,so feel free to contact me at my email address.

Yours sincerely,

Gaurav Pathak

Chair, League of Nations

RBSMUN 2014

[email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Introduction to the League of NationsThe League of Nations was an international association of countries created to maintain peace amongthe nations of the world. Its primary function was the maintenance of international peace and securityby means of actions approved through diplomatic negotiations among member nations andimplemented as the resolutions of the Council. The League of Nations investigated international issues,

discussed the gravity of such matters and strived to reach a solution to those conflicts throughdiplomatic pressure, the imposition of sanctions, the authorization of military force, and the assignmentof peacekeeping forces and mediators. Its role was of paramount importance for the neutralization oflooming threats of violence and terror as to sustain peace in the world.

This year two events crucial to world politics in the 1930s will be discussed. The first is the Japaneseinvasion of Manchuria, during which China requested arbitration, claiming that Japan had invadedManchuria, a region of China. Japan is one of the permanent members of the League of Nations Counciland this aggression by such a prominent member of the League was deemed unacceptable. In thishistorical simulation, it will be up to the delegates to decide what action should have been taken in

order to preserve the integrity of world peace and the league.

The next topic concerns the invasion of Ethiopia, then known as Abyssinia,by Italy. Economic and military sanctions may seem to be the simpleanswer (and was the one historically arrived at) but there are manypolitical reasons which make this decision not very straightforward. Thedelegates must resolve these issues and show that they are committed tothe preservation of world peace.

Unlike the present day UN, no nation had veto power in the League ofNations. Also decisions were not binding: no nation was required to takepart in any League activities. Participation was voluntary. This committeeshall adhere to thoie rules, so the delegates can succeed in resolving thesecrises only by coming to a consensus and acting as a unified body.

History of the League of NationsThe victors of World War I including France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, and the United States drew upa covenant (constitution) for the League in 1919. The League was established in January 1920, withheadquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. President Woodrow Wilson of the United States was the chiefplanner of the League.


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5

The rationale for the League of Nations.

World wars, the leaders of the time reasoned, would continue to occur as long as each nation has to beresponsible for its own defense. Under this condition, nations would form competing groups, eacharming against the other.The League of Nations brought together nations of the world and pledged to

defend the territory and independence of any member attacked by another nation because even apowerful nation, when opposed by many other nations, does not go to war.

Powers and organization

The League Covenant

This document contains articles pledging member nations to preserve the independence and territory ofall members against attack. Members agree to submit any disputes that might lead to war either to ar-bitration (decision by a third party) or to an investigation by the League Council. Members promise notto go to war with any member that agrees to the recommendations of a court of arbitration or the

League Council. If any member goes to war in violation of these articles, member nations agree they willapply economic sanctions (penalties) such as stopping trade with the offending nation. At the LeagueCouncil's request, nations will also use military force against the nation in violation of the Covenant.

The Council

It is the principal peacekeeping agency. Its size ranges from 8 to 14 members during the League'shistory. The most powerful members of the League had permanent seats on the Council. They wereFrance, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, japan, and the Soviet Union. The remaining seats were rotatedamong the small nations of the League.

The Assembly

The Assembly is composed of all member nations and each member has one vote. The Assemblycontrols the League budget, admits new members, elects the temporary Council members, and makesamendments to the Covenant. On these matters, the Assembly can decide by a two-thirds or a majorityvote.

The Secretariat

It provides the administrative staff of the League. A secretary-general, who is nominated by the Counciland approved by the Assembly, heads a staff of about 600 officials. These officials assist thepeacekeeping work of the League and provide personnel for special study commissions on disarmamentand colonial affairs. The Secretariat also staffs the various international organizations set up by theLeague to promote cooperation in international trade, finance, transportation, communication, health,and science.


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Original Members The following nations were the original members of the League. Many other nations joined later.

Argentina Great Britain Panama

Australia Greece Paraguay

Belgium Guatemala Peru

Bolivia Haiti Poland

Brazil Honduras Portugal

Canada India Romania

Chile Iran South Africa

China Italy Spain

Colombia Japan Sweden

Cuba Liberia Switzerland

Czechoslovakia Netherlands Thailand

Denmark New Zealand Uruguay

El Salvador Nicaragua Venezuela

France Norway Yugoslavia


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28 th July 1914-1918

First World War:The First World War lasted four years and devastated many nations.

7 th May 1915 Twenty-one demands:These demands include a demand that China cease its leasing of territory to foreignnations and allow Japanese to control over Manchuria and Shandong among them.

10 th January1920

League of Nations :First proposed by Woodrow Wilson, the League of Nations was established after theFirst World War to resolve international disputes.

November1921-February1922

Nine-Power Pact:This treaty was signed by the United States, Japan, Britain and France. These nationswere obliged to respect the sovereignty, the independence, territorial andadministrative integrity of the state and china (1) and negotiated to respect eachothers Pacific island dependencies for 10 years (2)

27 th August1928

Kellogg Briand Pact:Also known as the Pact of Paris this pact was signed by 15 different nations initially.These nations agreed to settle any kind of conflict that would arise only by pacificmeans and war to be announced as national policy .

18 th September1931

In the city of Shenyang, Japan attacked Chinese barracks and Japan successfullyinvaded the city as well.

21 st September1929

China and Soviet Union fought along the Manchurian border.

18 th September1931

Mukden Incident:This incident refers to the seizure of the Manchurian city of Mukden by the Japanese.

It lead to the invasion of all of Manchuria and the establishment of the Japanese-dominated state of Manchukuo.The Japanese used the pretext of an explosion along the South Manchurian Railwayto occupy Mukden.The Kellogg-Briand Pact turned out to be meaningless.

1931-1932 Lytton Commission:This commission was established by the League of Nations in order to study the causeof the Japanese invasion of Manchuria on 18 th September 1931.

9 th March 1932 Japanese created the puppet state of Manchukuo out of the three historical

Manchurian provinces. Even though Manchukuo was nominally in the hands of theChinese it was strictly controlled by the Japanese, who intended to transformManchuria into a military and an industrial base for Japanese expansion into Asia.


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9

History of Manchuria

Located in the northwestern part of China, Manchuria borders Russia to thenorth, Korea to the east and Japan just beyond the Sea of Japan. Manchuriahas had to withstand the influence of Russian Imperialism and the scrutinyof the Japanese military. Manchuria was considered an ideal place tocolonize due to the presence of rich minerals and the availability of land

Conflicts in Manchuria and nearby began with the First Shino Japanese War(1884-1895). This war was fought between the Qing Dynasty of China andthe Japanese over vast territories of Chinese lands (Manchuria and LiaotungPeninsula) and after a year of war, the Japanese won. China, in order tomaintain its sovereignty, requested aid from foreign nations. Russia,Germany and France answered Chinas call and requested a Japanesewithdrawal from Chinese lands. Japanese submitted to the demands and withdrew from China.

Howeve r, Russias major cause for the intervention was not to respect Chinas sovereignty but tostrengthen its own imperialistic influence in Manchuria. China started building infrastructure such asports and railways which connected the Manchuria with Russia. By 1896 the influence of Russia inManchuria was immense. Even the government offices and military bases were controlled by Russians.The local Chinese did not appreciate this new Russian influence and could tolerate no more, so in 1890the Boxers Revolution was started to displace foreign influence from Manchuria. The Russiansretaliated with military intervention and took complete control of Manchuria for the period from 1900to 1904.

Japan was still keen on colonizing Korea and the peninsula surrounding the seas, so they agreed torecognize Russias control over Manchuria if Korea was handed to them. Russia did not agree to the seterms and thus began the Russo- Japanese War (1904-1905) between Russia and Japan. Japan foughtthis war to rightfully claim what they had won in the first Sino-Japanese war. This war ended with USAintervening and establishing the Portsmouth Treaty. Even though the war ceased and Russia withdrewfrom China, the Japanese maintained a tough grip on Manchuria, controlling its railways lines andnearby lands.

Economic cause for the Japanese invasion of Manchuria

One of the main reasons for the Japanese invasion of Manchuria is the economic situation of Japan andthe entire world. The Great Depression had left the world economy in shambles and every county wastrying to protect its domestic industries. This protectionist tariff wall had a negative impact on theexport-led Japanese economy.


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The Great DepressionThe Great Depression caused a worldwide business slump. It began in the 1929s when the values ofstocks and shares in the United States dropped rapidly. Banks, factories and shops closed and leftthousands of people unemployed.

This caused a fall in demand for foreign goods by America, which wass one of the biggest economies.The decline in the US economy wass the factor that pulled down most countries and the world was in adeep depression.

This Depression caused radical changes in counties like Germany and Japan. The people in these nations

The export-led Japanese economyThe Japanese economy was doing quite well after World War I. Cheap Japanese textiles were takingover British-dominated markets. However Japan is an island nation with few resources and relies greatlyon foreign trade. The loss of consumer confidence due to the Great Depression and the fall inpurchasing power of consumers of all economies poor and rich hurt world trade and it took a toll on

Japan. The population boom in the prosperous period could not be supported by the 20% of Japaneseland which is not arable.

ProtectionismEvery county tired to help its domestic industries by raising the tariff wall against foreign goods. Theexport-dependent Japan was severely affected by this phenomenon.

Since no country imported Japanese luxuries likesilk, the value of Japanese exports fell by more than50% between 1929 and 1931. Many people blamedthe government for the crisis and looked towardsmilitary leaders to solve this problem.

Manchuria is the answerCompetition among nationalists, communists andwarlords left China weak. Manchuria thus becamea ripe target for Japan. Japan had treaty rights tostation troops along its railway lines in Manchuria.Manchuria is greater than the size of Germany and France combined and Japan saw it as a place for itssurplus population spill over into. The area also had vital resources that Japan had to import. Thus themilitary rulers of Japan saw Manchuria as a desirable place to conquer and used the Mukden incident as

an excuse to invade under the pretext of self-defence.

Japanese infantry invading Manchuria


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Statement of Problem

In February 1933, 17 months after Japan invaded Manchuria, the League of Nationsdecided to hold a special meeting to resolve the problems in Manchuria.

With the responsibility of maintaining international peace and solving problemswith diplomacy and negotiations, the League of Nations faced a problem which hadput the world on the brink of another war. Japan justified its actions with variousreasons. It claimed that their economic problems and need for natural resources made the invasion ofManchuria a necessary act of survival. However in the process of rebuilding the economy of one nation,the sovereignty and freedom of another was lost. The League needed to find appropriate solutions tobring an end to the crisis. In the progression of the crisis, various treaties were violated and ignored.Meting out consequences for such violations was another responsibility the League was expected totake. Delegates will have to revisit the past to meet these obligations

The strength of the Covenant of the League and other treaties had not yet been tested at the time.Effectively solving thhhe Manchuiran crisis and enforcing the treaties which had been ignored wasessential to show their effectiveness and strength to the international community. Delegates mustrealize that failing to tackle this problem successfully will result in countries losing confidence in thepurpose and power of the League.

(Cartoons regarding the crisis depicted by press)


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Current Situation

After Japan invaded Manchuria and threw the Chinese out, the Chinese government asked the League ofNation to intervene. In February 1932, the Lytton Commission was established by the League under LordLytton. It consisted of five members of different nationalities and they were assigned to study the

circumstances that had affected international relations, to find out the cause behind Japans invasion of Manchuria and what had disturbed the peaceful relations between China and Japan; and finally tosubmit the report to the council. After an extensive study they submitted their report in September1932. The report clearly stated Japans reasons and found both parties guilty. Some of the reasons arebriefly explained below:

Diversity of the Manchurian population: Two-thirds of the foreigners living in Manchuria wereJapanese. The argued that the Chinese administration of Manchuria had not been protectingthe rights of the non-Chinese population.

Economic commitments of Japan in Manchuria: Japan had invested a lot in Manchuria to uplift

various sectors like agriculture, industry, railway and mining. The legitimacy of Manchukuo: The puppet state of Manchukuo had not been establishedbecause of the Manchurian s request for autonomy from China. The new government wasdependent upon Japan s military and civil directions and the non-Japanese population ofManchuria was unaware about the current situation.

The commission suggested that an autonomous government be established in Manchuria. When thecommission met in October 1932 with its report Japan was still controlling Manchuria but hadwithdrawn from Shanghai. Japan opposed the non-recognition of Manchukuo in the report and, for itspart, China agreed to many of the suggestions included in the report but disapproved of the foreigninitiatives as a part of autonomous status. According to the commission, the war in Manchuria had beendeliberately provoked by the Japanese. Countries like Sweden, Ireland, Czechoslovakia and Spainexpected a quick decision against Japan for it had violated the terms of the League of Nations whilenations like France, Britain and Germany tried to persuade Japan to concede.


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Treaties which have been violated

The following treaties were violated when Japan invaded Manchuria:

Kellogg-Briand PactThe Kellogg- Briand Pact, which is also known as Pact of Paris was signed in August 1928 by UnitedStates of America, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Japan and other member nations. The mainobjective of this pact was to avoid aggressive wars and to avoid war except in cases of self-defence. Thistreaty was added to the League of Nations treaty series in September 1929.

The treatys first obstacle came in 1931 when one of its members , Japan, invaded China. Due to themany flaws in the treaty such as actions required to take when an incident occurred and its vaguenessabout the term self-d efense the Kellogg -Briand Pactfailed in its purpose.

Nine-Power TreatyThe Nine-Power Treaty was signed on February 1922 inWashington DC. The nine countries who signed thistreaty (United States, Great Britain, Japan, Italy, France,Belgium, Portugal and Netherlands) acknowledged thesovereignty of the lands of China. The committee alsoestablished an Open Door Policy giving China the right totrade with any international country having completeinfluence of China.


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Proposed Solutions

The League of Nations needs to solve this issue as quickly as possible if it is to be able to prevent futurewars. The problem can be traced to Japanese aggression in the region. If, based on the Lytton report,Japan has no legitimate claims to Manchuria then Japan needs to restore the sovereignty of the region

to China and withdraw its forces.

A. Complete restoration of Manchuria to China

The protocol of the League of Nations is to impose economic and military sanctions on the aggressor, sodelegates can attempt to force Japan to withdraw by enacting economic and military sanctions. Supportfrom non-League of Nations members may be required for sanctions to become effective.

B. Joint governance by China and Japan

Since the majority of the population and assets in the area are Japanese, the delegates may try to makethe Japanese and Chinese parties come to terms about joint rule of the area so that the interests of theJapanese population there can be protected.

C. Referendum in Manchuria

A fair referendum can be conducted in Manchuria in order to find out what the Manchuria peopledesire, Chinese rule, sovereignty or Japanese rule.

(Japanese solders present in Manchuria)


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Questions a resolution must answer

The following questions need to be answered by a resolution:

1. How should the governance of Manchuria be carried out? Should a government be formed bybringing representatives from Japanese and Chinese governments, governance by the League ofNations or elections in Manchuria?

2. Should Manchuria be allowed to be a sovereign state? Should a referendum be conducted?3. How can the rights of the Japanese population in China be safeguarded? Should there be a

reservation for Japanese representatives in the government of Manchuria?4. How can Japanese investments in the area such as railways and agriculture be safeguarded?

Should Japan be allowed to keep a military garrison in the area?


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Bloc Positions

Japan

Japan claims that it has rights to Manchuria and wants to annex the area. It wants the League to Nations

to recognize the state of Manchukuo.

United States of America

Although not a member of the League, USA opposed Japanese aggression and favoured Japanswithdrawal from the area.

Great Britain and France

Because of concerns about trade and colonies in the Far East, Britain and France want a diplomaticsolution without disrupting trade in the area.

Other League of Nations members

Other League of Nations members expect a swift concluscion to the incident by the League of Nations.The nations view the invasion as an act of aggression by Japan against hina and believe the Leagueshould make Japan withdraw from the region.


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Topic B: The Abyssinia Crisis

Historical of the Topic

Below look at the points that have led to the build-up to the conflict that we are dealing with.

Timeline of the build-up to the crisis

This table summarizes the major events that occurred up to this special League of Nations conference.

1st August 1923Abyssinia joined the League of Nations:Abyssinia became a member of the League in order to protect itself from foreignencroachment by Britain, France and Italy.

14 th March 1924Temporary Slavery Commission:When Ethiopia became a member of the league, the League of Nations decided topromote an international committee to end slavery so the Council created thetemporary Slavery Commission which was responsible for gathering informationabout slavery and striving to suppress slavery internationally.

1st December1925

Lacorno Treaty:This treaty was signed by France, Britain, Germany, Italy and Czechoslovakia. Bysigning the treaty these nations guaranteed peace in western Europe.

2th August 1928

Italo- Ethipia Treaty:A twenty-year treaty in which Italy agreed to help Ethiopia resolve any dispute in apeaceful manner. Another important objective of the treaty was to resolvedifferences in East Africa. Through this treaty, Ethiopia was provided with access tothe Red Sea port of Asseb.

28 th august 1928 Both Italy and Abyssinia joined the Kellogg-Briand pact

1930 Walwal:Italy built a fort at Walwal in the Ogden. Since Walwal was in a boundary zonebetween the nations of Italy and Ethiopia by doing so, Italy violated its 20-yearltreaty with Ethiopia.

22 nd November1934

Walwal incident:The Abyssinians demanded that the fort to be handed over to them but the Italiansrefused.

December 1934 Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini ordered his Italian troops which werestationed in Somaliland and Eritrea to attack Abyssinia. The Italians demanded anapology and financial compensation.


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January 1935 Abyssinian army killed 5 Italian soldiers near WalWal With an intention to keep Italy in the Stresa Pact against Germany France

gave Italy a part of French Somaliland. Emperor of Abyssinia, Haile Selassie asked League of nations to help

Abyssinia.22 nd March 1935 The League of Nations pressured Italy to arbitrate the Walwal incident but the

Italians were still mobilizing their troops.

20 th May 1935 A meeting of the League of Nations was held as per request of the Abyssinianemperor.

July 25th 1935 An embargo was imposed by Britain on arms sales to both Italy and Ethiopia.Britain cleared its warships from the Mediterranean, thereby allowing Italy easyaccess to eastern Africa.

16 th August 1935 Nations like France and Britain offered Italy large concession in Ethiopia to preventwar but Italy refused.

4 th September The League met again and cleared both and Ethiopia of any guilt for the Walwalincident.


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History of Abyssinia

The history of the conflict in Abyssinia dates back to 1889, when Manelik II, the emperor of Shewa (nowan Ethiopian city) conquered the remaining neighboring lands and declared himself the sole Emperor ofEthiopia (which was called Abyssinia by European nations). To carry out this feat, Manelik II had received

help from Italy. Manelik II then signed a treaty with Italy (the Treaty of Wuchale), which was supposedto give Italy control over the northeast lands of Abyssinia. In return Italy had to recognize Manelik II asthe ruler of Abyssinia. This treaty had major flaws as it did not convey the same message in Italian andAmharic (the local language of Abyssinia). In Italian the treaty recognized Italy as the protectorate overAbyssinia, but in Amharic it was stated that Italy coudl come to Abyssinias aid only aid if Manelik IIasked for helpt. Manelik II refused to acknowledge the Italian version of the treaty, so Italy resorted tomilitary action. After a string of battles in Abyssinia, the conflict was concluded at the Battle of Adwa.The consequence of this battle was so severe to Italy that they withdrew their solders, which brought anend to the first Italo-Ethiopian War.

The next conflict between these two nations started in 1928. According to the Italo-Ethiopian Treaty of1928, the border between Italian Somaliland (land colonized by Italy) and Ethiopia was twenty-oneleagues to the Benadir coast. In 1930, Italy built the Walwal fort which was not within the border limitsand Abyssinia recognized this action as Italian encroachment on their lands and thus hostility betweenItaly and Abyssinia increased. Even though both Italy and Abyssinia released statements of non-aggression and peace, neither were satisfied.

Under Benito Mussolini Italy had grown more developed, advanced, and industrialized. Mussoliniwanted to invade Abyssinia for its resources and for the glory of a successful conquest. On the otherhand, Emperor Haile Selassie of Abyssinia wanted peace, sovereignty and recognition of Abyssiniasborders. In 1934 Ethiopia protested against the Walwal fort and formally asked Itlay to withdraw. TheWalwal Incident proved to be the climax of the hostility between Italy and Ethiopia. During this incidentboth parties faced causalities. Mussolini considered Abyssinia s protest against Walwal an act ofaggression and ordered its troops to invade Abyssinia. Abyssinia approached the League of Nations withhopes of solving the crisis. This introduced the Abyssinia Crisis to the League of Nations and gave itsmember nations another chance to prove their effectiveness and purpose.

Reasons for Italy to Invade Abyssinia

We have been patient with Ethiopia for forty years. It is enough now. Mussolini

Treaty of VersaillesWorld War I was concluded with the Treaty of Versailles signed by the USA, Italy, France and Britain.This treaty looked into compensation for and prevention of wars. Italy felt that the Treaty of Versaillesdid not give it sufficient land and resources to rebuild its economy. Italy also felt that the Allies hadtaken most of their lands. This prompted Italy to look for alternative solutions.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/399484/Benito-Mussolinihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haile_Selassie_I_of_Ethiopiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haile_Selassie_I_of_Ethiopiahttp://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/399484/Benito-Mussolini


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Mussolini is now determined to show Italys strength. The Itali ans feel that they did not get a fair shareof territory after the First World War.

The invasion has been recognized as an encroachment of another nations lands and a violation ofinternational treaties. However, both Italy and Ethiopia are members of the League so they must come

up with solutions which will fulfill the demands of both their member nations. The Abyssinia crisis hasnot only brought Ethiopia and Italy into international headlines, but has also brought the League ofNations itself under deep inspection. The failure to solve this crisis might encourage other countries tochoose aggression over diplomacy leading an already hostile world into another world war.


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Current Situation

In July 1935, the League banned the sale of arms and ammunitions to both nations and in September(the month before this simulation), the League appointed a five-power committee to arbitrate. Theinvasion not only harms Abyssinia in every possible field but also violates several treaties and may result

in the failure of the League of Nations as well.

The Violation of Treaties

Italo-Ethiopian Treaty of 1928To alleviate the tension between Italy and Ethiopia, the League of Nations on August 2, 1928, proposeda treaty known as the Italo-Ethiopian Treaty (Italo Ethiopian Treaty of Friendship and Arbitration). Bothnations signed. The League of Nations primary goals for this treaty were the following:

Declare a 20-year friendship between Italy and Abyssinia Acknowledge Ethiopias Red Sea port Asseb and Italys colony of Eritrea. Make the two nations to collaborate in making infrastructure linking their cities. Demarcate the 21-league border along the coast of Benadir of Italian Somaliland and Abyssinia.

The failure of this treaty seemed inevitable when it was unable to prevent the Walwal incident or theinvasion of Abyssinia by Italy. The League of Nations was unable to successfully enforce this treaty.

Kellogg-Briand PactThe Kellogg-Briand Pact was sponsored by the United States and France. Like many member countries,both Italy and Ethiopia were signatories. Its main purpose was to avoid international war and to stopaggression using diplomacy and communication. However, both Ethiopias military movement against

Walwal and the invasion of Italy of Abyssinia are acts of military aggression. Even though both nationshad an international obligation to abide by the Kellogg-Briand Pact, both violated it.

(Comics represented by the press)


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Questions a Resolution Must Answer

The resolution needs to resolve not only the Abyssinian crisis but also lay down the foundation forpreventing future conflicts and aggression. As many nations as possible need to be part of the Leaguefor it to be a success. A resolution must be drafted in order make such long-term goals possible.

1. How should Italian aggression in Abyssinia be stopped? Economic sanctions, military sanctionsor other solutions?

2. Should either pay compensation to the other for past actions?3. Should a League of Nations peacekeeping force be developed? If so, how?4. What provisions should there be regarding the involvement of non-League of Nations members?

Should the League of Nations provide support in such cases as well and, if so, how?5. How can Germany and Italy be part of the League of Nations? What concessions or status

elevation could they be given?


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Bloc Positions

Hitler and Mussolini (Germany and Italy)

Nazi Ge rmanys major ally in Europe political ly and economically was Italy. Benito Mussolini was the

fascist leader of Italy. Since fascism embraces right-wing nationalism, Hitler considered this ideology as abig b rother of Nazism. Mussolini , however, did not regard Hitler highly: he thought he was too simpleand unrefined. But even with their differences Germany and Italy managed to cooperate.

France and Britain

Ever since World War I, Britain and France have been strong allies. Even during the Great Depressionthat followed the war, they supported each other economically. These two countries were also thepillars of the League of Nations. However during the Abyssinia crisis, their role as allies was morecautious than firm as neither Britain nor France wanted Italy to join Germany. They were afraid that any

firm actions against Italy would only push Italy closer to Nazi Germany.

France and Italy

In January of 1935, Abyssinia asked the League to intervene. Italy ignored this intervention and did notwithdraw its solders. But instead of France (a prominent member of the League) taking firmer decisions,France signed a treaty with Italy that allowed Italy to continue its conquest of Abyssinia provided thatItaly would support France against Germany.

Other League of Nations Members

The League of Nations on October 7, 1935, voted on the crisis in Abyssinia. It voted that Italy was theaggressor and sided with Abyssinia. However, France had already made a pact with Italy and the otherminor members of the League were not economically strong enough to make an immediate impact onthe crisis.

Suggestions for further research

We must remind delegates that this study guide is, as its name indicates, simply a guide. It is not,therefore, comprehensive in any way. Delegates are reminded to research through official newswebsites that the UN considers for its use, for example, Reuters. The archives of news sites, and otherimportant websites like the History Magazine should be of good use. Delegates could also go beyond theonline sphere and refer to history books to enrich their knowledge and present authentic facts andfigures.

Closing remarksEven though we have tried to make the study guide as comprehensive aspossible, we encourage delegates to conduct further research into the


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topic and their countrys position on it. We would like to inform delegates beforehand that yourperformance will not be assessed on the number of times you take part in the debate, but on thecontent of your remarks. We need not add that top-quality content ina speech can come only from priorextensive research. Delegates are free to ask any queries regarding the topics, the committee, theprocedures, or the RBS MUN as a whole. Contact us at our email addresses.

Bibliography

Japanese Invasion of Manchuria

http://kjc-fs2.kjc.uni-heidelberg.de/omeka/after-the-enquiry-the-lytton-report

http://www.desertwar.net/lytton-report.html

http://www.timelines.ws/countries/MANCHURIA.HTML

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Manchuria#History_after_1860

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/361449/Manchuria/4543/Manchuria-since-c-1900

http://www.historyorb.com/asia/manchuria.php

http://www.history.co.uk/study-topics/history-of-ww2/sino-japanese-war

http://scottvalentine.com/writings/Korean%20Studies/The%20Cause%20of%20and%20Events%20Leading.htm

http://history.state.gov/milestones/1899-1913/portsmouth-treaty

http://www.history.com

http://www.republicanchina.org/Japan_Twenty-one_Demands.pdf

http://www.infoplease.com/

http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Kellogg-Briand_Pact.html

http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/imt/kbpact.htm

http://history.howstuffworks.com/asian-history/nine-power-treaty.htm

The Abyssinia crisis

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh/ir1/manchuriarev3.shtml

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/405820/League-of-Nations

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_did_Mussolini_want_to_invade_Abyssinia?#slide=8

http://www.glencoe.com/vaessentials/gwhmt/solswoa/GWHMT_VA_WHII.11c%20Student%20PDF%20attachment.pdf
http://kjc-fs2.kjc.uni-heidelberg.de/omeka/after-the-enquiry-the-lytton-reporthttp://kjc-fs2.kjc.uni-heidelberg.de/omeka/after-the-enquiry-the-lytton-reporthttp://www.desertwar.net/lytton-report.htmlhttp://www.desertwar.net/lytton-report.htmlhttp://www.timelines.ws/countries/MANCHURIA.HTMLhttp://www.timelines.ws/countries/MANCHURIA.HTMLhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Manchuria#History_after_1860http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Manchuria#History_after_1860http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/361449/Manchuria/4543/Manchuria-since-c-1900http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/361449/Manchuria/4543/Manchuria-since-c-1900http://www.historyorb.com/asia/manchuria.phphttp://www.historyorb.com/asia/manchuria.phphttp://www.history.co.uk/study-topics/history-of-ww2/sino-japanese-warhttp://www.history.co.uk/study-topics/history-of-ww2/sino-japanese-warhttp://scottvalentine.com/writings/Korean%20Studies/The%20Cause%20of%20and%20Events%20Leading.htmhttp://scottvalentine.com/writings/Korean%20Studies/The%20Cause%20of%20and%20Events%20Leading.htmhttp://scottvalentine.com/writings/Korean%20Studies/The%20Cause%20of%20and%20Events%20Leading.htmhttp://history.state.gov/milestones/1899-1913/portsmouth-treatyhttp://history.state.gov/milestones/1899-1913/portsmouth-treatyhttp://www.history.com/http://www.history.com/http://www.republicanchina.org/Japan_Twenty-one_Demands.pdfhttp://www.republicanchina.org/Japan_Twenty-one_Demands.pdfhttp://www.infoplease.com/http://www.infoplease.com/http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Kellogg-Briand_Pact.htmlhttp://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/imt/kbpact.htmhttp://history.howstuffworks.com/asian-history/nine-power-treaty.htmhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh/ir1/manchuriarev3.shtmlhttp://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_did_Mussolini_want_to_invade_Abyssinia?#slide=8http://www.glencoe.com/vaessentials/gwhmt/solswoa/GWHMT_VA_WHII.11c%20Student%20PDF%20attachment.pdfhttp://www.glencoe.com/vaessentials/gwhmt/solswoa/GWHMT_VA_WHII.11c%20Student%20PDF%20attachment.pdfhttp://www.glencoe.com/vaessentials/gwhmt/solswoa/GWHMT_VA_WHII.11c%20Student%20PDF%20attachment.pdfhttp://www.glencoe.com/vaessentials/gwhmt/solswoa/GWHMT_VA_WHII.11c%20Student%20PDF%20attachment.pdfhttp://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_did_Mussolini_want_to_invade_Abyssinia?#slide=8http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh/ir1/manchuriarev3.shtmlhttp://history.howstuffworks.com/asian-history/nine-power-treaty.htmhttp://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/imt/kbpact.htmhttp://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Kellogg-Briand_Pact.htmlhttp://www.infoplease.com/http://www.republicanchina.org/Japan_Twenty-one_Demands.pdfhttp://www.history.com/http://history.state.gov/milestones/1899-1913/portsmouth-treatyhttp://scottvalentine.com/writings/Korean%20Studies/The%20Cause%20of%20and%20Events%20Leading.htmhttp://scottvalentine.com/writings/Korean%20Studies/The%20Cause%20of%20and%20Events%20Leading.htmhttp://www.history.co.uk/study-topics/history-of-ww2/sino-japanese-warhttp://www.historyorb.com/asia/manchuria.phphttp://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/361449/Manchuria/4543/Manchuria-since-c-1900http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Manchuria#History_after_1860http://www.timelines.ws/countries/MANCHURIA.HTMLhttp://www.desertwar.net/lytton-report.htmlhttp://kjc-fs2.kjc.uni-heidelberg.de/omeka/after-the-enquiry-the-lytton-report


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http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/297461/Italo-Ethiopian-War

http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/First_Italo%E2%80%93Ethiopian_War.html

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/297357/Italian-Somaliland

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh/ir1/manchuriarev4.shtml
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/297461/Italo-Ethiopian-Warhttp://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/297461/Italo-Ethiopian-Warhttp://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/First_Italo%E2%80%93Ethiopian_War.htmlhttp://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/First_Italo%E2%80%93Ethiopian_War.htmlhttp://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/297357/Italian-Somalilandhttp://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/297357/Italian-Somalilandhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh/ir1/manchuriarev4.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh/ir1/manchuriarev4.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh/ir1/manchuriarev4.shtmlhttp://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/297357/Italian-Somalilandhttp://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/First_Italo%E2%80%93Ethiopian_War.htmlhttp://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/297461/Italo-Ethiopian-War


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