LEAGUE ASSEMBLY

Evening Star, Issue 19664, 17 September 1927, Page 4

LEAGUE ASSEMBLY

COUNCIL ELECTIONS A PLEASING INCIDENT CANADA SECURES SEAT BY ONE .VOTE. * «■ Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright GENEVA September 15. There was a delightful incident when M. Villegas appointed Sir Austen Chamberlain and Dr Stresemaim scrutineers 0 s - the Council elections. The two famous figures rose amid cheers and proceeded to the tribune. _ They mused on the steps, each motioning the other precedence, but finally they ascended arm in arm amidst roars of laughter and applause, which _ was redoubled when M. Briand, coming up to vote, was invitingly motioned to a scat at the scrutineers’ table by Sir Austen Chamberlain. The result of the voting was received with equal good humor ami applause by the crowded assembly hall. Members of the British Delegation congratulated M. Da ml lira nd, who will hold Canada’s seat. ' ~ Belgium's failure to establish her re-eligibility at the morning session ;s generally regarded as in no manner the result of hostility, but in view of the fact that she has sat on the Council for several years it would be advantageous for tlio"non«s»;rmancnfc seats to go in turn to the' other small Powers. The general opinion in the morning was that the decision meant the first election_ ol a British dominion, tvliich' the voting confirmed. Canada secured one vote over the simple majority required. British circles are very gratified, and believe it will l;o welcome throughout the Empire as most closely associating the dominions with the League’s work. A flutter of excitement was caused during the Sixth Commission’s examination of the resolutions of the International Press Conference. Mr Hambro criticised monopolies and largo international news agencies, and said it was very difficult for small countries to organise Agencies of their own nationals. There yvas a danger of public opinion becoming over-influenced-, and oven paralysed, by the present agencies’ methods.