LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 67, 13 December 1920, Page 5

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

ISSUE OF THE MANDATES

EXTREME IMPORTANCE URGED BY COUNCIL

tl T«l»»r»Bh-Pr»«» •A(«ooI»tlon-Oopjrrl«W Gensva, December 10. In order to conclude the business by December 18 at latest, the Assembly of the League of, Nations has decided to hold two sessions daily. The Council's report on the mandates and the creation of a permanent Commission shows that M, Hywans, on November 30, telegraphed to the Allied Powers, urging the extreme importance of issuing the mandates, and asked for the necessary information from Ohe Assem'biyi j efo ™ the cnd of the session. He I : n"" Efoivover grenf; itß de3ire to Bee the Allied Powers agreed upon the draft mandates, the Council cannot in default 01 such agreement, indefinitely postpone its obligauons under the Covenant in l i eßnr w n° , tho issue of tlle niandates."-Aus.-JN.Z. Cable Assn. ADMISSION OF AnSTWA TO LEAGUE AN AUSTRALIAN RESERVATION. Geneva, December 10. lie Assembly discussed and adopted the report of the sub-committee on the economic weapon. The report was merei.Y academic, and raises a number of questions which only the permanent ■Blockade Commission can investigate: lepras determined during tie Commissions discussion o admit Austria to the League. Senator Millen said' he had been convinced by the testimonial of Austria s former enemies; but he made one reservation. Germany appeared to be inclined tb make claims to the Pacific Islands. Australia did not wish-to risk having enemies established at her doors. * j w< S lld llke to Austria's attitude therefore. If sho was admitted to the League subject to uhis reservation, Australia was entirely favourable to the admission of Austria.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CHECK ON EXCESSIVE EXPENDITURE AUSTRALIA SEEKING RELIEF •£• i -.r., G »neva, December 10. Senator Millen, who has been mainly devoting himself to the Budget Commission this week, in an interview, says:— -there have been spirited contest between those who were apparently inclined tpa Ccep t the Secretariat's proposals and those who endeavoured to impose a check on excessive expenditure . Although itcannot be said that entirely satisfactory safeguards were secured, certain definite checks wore obtained, and a distinct step was gained by (he appointment of a committee to inquire into the organisation ft nd salaries of nhe Secretariat and the labour organisation. There is still a chance that some more equitable apportionment of the expenditure between the members of the League will ho evolved, instead of the existing system." Mr. Millen said he was hopeful of securing relief from Australia's heavy contribution, but the countries which benefit under tho Postal Convention scheme are fighting vigorously against any alter-ation.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

DISARMAMENT CONDITIONS JAPAN REFUSES TO OBSERVE THEM. CRec. Docom'ber 12, midnight.) Geneva, December 12. Count Ishii informed the Armaments Sub-committee that Japan objected l to observing the conditions of disarmament proposed-by the League while other big Powers were outside the League,.' and would not observe the conditions. Ho added that Japan would increase her armaments in accordance with, her programme, which-has-already- been settled for 1921 and probably for 1922—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assn. MFHOILTIBofBIUNGBALISH SECRETARIAT TO REPORT ON USE OF ESPERANTO. Geneva, December 10. In an interview on the work of the League of Nation? Assembly, Senator Millen (Australia) said that a number' of delegates, conscious of the difficulties of bilingualism/lmve drafted a resolution on the suggestion that tile children should be taught their mother tongue and another easy means for international communication;, and the Secretariat will be asked to report at next session on the results' attending tftie teaching of Esper-anto.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

CHINESE QUESTIONS REPRESENTATIVE AT GENEVA ' ■INTERVIEWED. (Rec. December 12, 5.5 p.m.) Geneva. December 11. Count Hayashi, during a Press interview, having expressed regret that China had not established' a stable Ctentral Government, the Chinese representative said fiie League was intended to faster an international spirit and understanding, but this ideal was not served by the statement, of his Japanese colleague, China was doing her best to build up a Democratic Government. Questioned whether he intended to bring up the »übject of Shantung, the representative said he did l not intend to follow the example of his Japanese colleague, by making such a grave subject one of propaganda. Shantung was the nwt burning question in the Chinese public ' mind, and ho would take ilhe earliest opportunity to refer to the matter at the proper time and place. The League of Nations wn« at pre.=ent largely concerned with the duty of creating the necessary machin-, ery. He could noil say whether ho would take action next week or at the next Assembly.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PLAN FOR NATIONS' ASSOCIATION CONFERENCES STARTED IN • AMERICA. (Bee. December 12, 5.5 p.m.) New York, December 11. Mr. Harding has started conferences regarding a plan for a Nations' Association. The fir6t disoussion will he with Mr. Charles E. Hughes, the Republican nominee in 1916.—An5.-N.Z. Cable Assn.