CHAPTER II. International Legislation

INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATION

30. Quasi-legislation within the domain of international law 23 31. Hague Peace Conferences as an organ for international legislation 24 32. Difficulties in the way of international legislation. The language question 25 33. The opposing interests of the several states 25 34. Contrasted methods of drafting 25 35. These difficulties distinct from those due to carelessness. Article 23 (h) of the Hague Regulations of land war is an example 27 36. The German and the English interpretation of Article 23 (h) 27 37. Davis's interpretation of Article 23 (h) 28 38. Impossible to reconcile the divergent views about Article 23 (h) 29 39. Difficulties due to the fact that international law cannot be made by a majority vote, or repealed save by a unanimous vote. A way out found in the difference between universal and general international law 30 40. International laws which are limited in point of time 31 41. International legislation no longer to be left to mere chance 33 42. The Declaration of London thoroughly prepared beforehand 34 43. The preparation of the Declaration a pattern for future international legislation 34 44. Intentionally incomplete and fragmentary laws 35 45. Interpretation of international statutes 35 46. International differences as regards interpretation 36 47. Different nations have different canons of interpretation 37 48. Controverted interpretation of the Declaration of London an example 37 49. Some proposals for the avoidance of difficulties in interpretation 39