WORLD PARLIAMENT

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 45, 17 November 1920, Page 7

WORLD PARLIAMENT

HISTORIC GATHERING AT GENEVA FIRST ASSEMBLY OF LEAGUE OF NATIONS PRESIDENT'S OPENING ADDRESS By Telefraph-Prcsß Asßooiatlnn-.Oopyrlirlit London, 'November 15. The Australian Press Association's correspondent al Geneva 'telegraphs that., the city was en fete early to-dny. The streets were profusely decorated with tho ilags of all nations, 'and were crowded vvith spectators. At. 10.30 a.m. all the bells in the cantons raug merrily, and a procession headed by tho gondamcrie and hussars conducted the members of tho Federal Council and the Chamber to the Hall of Hoformation, which was selected ns tho first meoting-phice of tho first Parliament of tho world. The interior of tho hall is plain to severity.- Tho men), hers of tho League occupied benches on tho ground floor; one hundred ami fifty pressmen were in the lirst gallery, and tho general public filled tho upper gallery. The delegates, representing 42 eoun--tries, were seated in the alphabetical order of their iwtions. Senator Milieu occupied a seat immediately in front of the tribune; New Zealand was half-way up 'the hall. M. Hymans (Belgium) read tho proclamation, summoning the League, and then 11. Motta, President of Switzerland welcomed the delegates. He expressed thanks to President Wilson for his servJoea in inaugurating the League's first meeting, and hoped that America I would soon participate in the meetings, | also Russia and tho oth«r nations. Ha Sroposed M. Hymans as the first presiont of the assembly. He was elected | to that office by 85 votes to 0. I M. Hymane, replying to 11. Mottiv's tvalcoiuc, referred to tfie brotherly welcome Switzerland gave to prisoners and wounded during the war. Thu meeting of ■this groat assembly, in Geneva, he said, would have 110 inconsiderablo place in. history. It was a proof of men's yearning for the equitable aud lasting peaceful organisation of international relations. Tlie Covenant was not perfect, ami could raise delusive hopes that by some magic wand we were going to transform the world or changu tho character of men. Tho League must not bo a super-State, absorbing national sovereignties or reducing them to bondage; but the League would play a powerful part in preventing national crises. M. Hymnns concluded by saying ho was convinced that the league would respond 'to the ueod and nppoal from tho peoples afler the frightful drama from which they had recontly emerged. Tho League would' soek, step by stop, to nchlve a reign of international morality anil human right.—Aus.-N.Z. Cnble Assn. . MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT WILSON. (Kec. November IG, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 15. A noteworthy feature of the assembly is that it includes Uti members of tho Diplomatic Corps, prinoipally representing the smaller Powers, while tho remaining members' are mostly men with political careers behind them. Tho absence of any outstanding statement or activity concerned with the restoration of liuropu robs tho sittings of much interest.

.Air. G. N. Barnos. moved that a telegram bo sent to President Wilson wishing him speedy restoration to healthMr. C. J. Doherty (Canada) objected to-Mr. Barnes's suggestion, presumably owinpf.'to tho Americana' abstention from the League. The Assembly, howevtr, accepted Mr. Barnoj's motion—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RULES OFIioCEDURE a ppointment~oFcommissions. (Rec. November 16, 8 p.m.) ■ London, November IC. The Assembly debated nt length the rules of procedure. Italy objected io tho acceptance of provisional rules until lliey had oeon properly examined. Senator Mitlen thought they might lind themselves in a difficulty if they accepted the rules en bloc without making provision for 'the suspension of nnt a' them if it wiia found they lianiporoil debate. The President informed Senator Millen that provision would be made to modify any iulo. It was dccided to appoint six commissions:— , ■ first:' To deal 'with procedure, amendments to the Covenant, and flic lelations between the Council <fnd the Assembly. Second: Technical organisations dealing with hygiene, the White Slavo. traffic, opium traffic, the transit question, and 'the economic financial organisation. Third: Tho permanent International Court. li'ourth: The, League's Budget. • Fifth: New admissions to the League. Sixth: Reduction of armaments, preparation of thy League's economic weapon, and i the mandates. It was originally intended to have a separate commission to deal with tho mandates, but M. Bourgeois during tho discussion declared Hint the question of tho mandates was not ripe for decision. The mandates would require to be examined by tho Council before submission to the Assembly, therefore it -was decided to-add the mandate to tho work of tho sixth commission,—Ans.-N.Z. Cable Assn.