INTERNATIONAL PEACE

Evening Star, Issue 19803, 29 February 1928, Page 4

INTERNATIONAL PEACE

GENEVA DISCUSSIONS

DIFFICULTIES OF SECURITY

GENEVA, February 23.

Another long debate did not increase the difficulties of security, but it certainly emphasised them. Herr Von Simpson declared that Germany objected to the general facts lor tho same reason as Britain, because they asked Governments to assume obligations they were unwilling to shoulder. Ho warned the committee of the possible danger of group treaties, which might take the form of an alliance against others, and urged that nothing should be done to increase the tension between peoples. Lord Cusliendun opposed any provision in regional pacts in which the League Council was permitted to arbitrate, enabling the Council’s decision to be taken by a majority vote. Ho suggested that this was equivalent to giviim the Council power to declaie war, and insisted that tho_ principle of unanimity must remain intact. He also opposed the inclusion ot a model (regional treaty in any provision authorising the League Council to declare an armistice in the event of an outbreak of war between the signatories. He argued that such a provision, besides not being enforceable, might prevent States from accepting a treaty in which it was embodied. ..... , The committee lengthily discussed the value of demilitarised zones as steps towards peace and disarmament. Naturally, the United States-Canada fronier was quoted as an example, and the long stretch between Norway and Marinis opposed the recommendation of these zones, because the States were unable now to impose them as they wished, presumably alluding to the Versailles Treaty. Tho discussion, was adjourned.