TWO RESERVATIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 223, 20 September 1929, Page 7

TWO RESERVATIONS.

Prime Minister Announces New Zealand's Signature. i| UNITED EMPIRE ACTION. I (By Telegraph.—rress Association.) j WELLINGTON, this day. A statement on the event at Geneva was made in the House of Representatives this morning by the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, who interrupted the debate on the Police Estimates for the purpose. Sir Joseph said he had to-day received from the High Commissioner a communication from Geneva, stating that with Great Britain, South Africa and India, New Zealand had signed the j optional clause for a term of ten years, subject to the following reservations: —

(1) Disputes relating to domestic jurisdiction and inter-Dominion disputes are excluded.

(2) The right is reserved to suspend Court proceedings in any dispute for a period not exceeding twelve months, while the matter is being considered by the Council of the League of Nations.

Sir Joseph said it was understood that Australia and Canada would sign very shortly on the same terms. The Irish Free * State had already signed, without reservation. France and the other countries signed at the same time, but he had no advice as to the exact terms of their signature.

Tho Prime Minister added that tho. desire for united Empire action had been achieved.