TIME EXPIRES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20119, 13 December 1939, Page 5

TIME EXPIRES

MEDIATION OFFER LEAGUE IGNORED SOVIET MAY SECEDE STATES ACCUSED “PACKED” COMMITTEE TALK OF EXPULSION (Elec. Tel. Oopyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Dec. 13, 11.10 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 12. With minds focussed concretely and materially on helping Finland as equally important as the condemnation of Russia, the League committee continued its work at Geneva last night on the assumption that Russia would disregard and reject the appeal for mediation. The 24 hours allowed by the League expired without reply from Russia. Officials stated that the Russian reply to the League’s request would be considered if if arrived later. Reports were circulating in Geneva to-day that the Soviet had decided to withdraw from the League. It was to-day stated in Geneva that if Russia did not reply, Britain and France were expected to supply Finland with war materials via Sweden. The Latin American States, which were most insistent that Russia should be expelled from the League, promised the Finns nitrates and beef. Soviet sources in Geneva to-day described the committee as “packed,” declaring that only four of 13 States represented on the committee had relations with Russia. “Have No Illusions” The leader of the British delegation, Mr. R. A. Butler, who was responsible for the inclusion of the time limit of 24 hours, declared: “We have no illusions regarding the outcome.” The telegram to Moscow included a stipulation that Russia should withdraw her troops and also said that Finland would accept mediation by the League. < The Latin American countries, including Columbia, agreed that if the mediation offer failed, to supDort the strongest measures against Russia. The expulsion of the Soviet, however, would directly affect a number of States, including Turkey, Iran and China.

The Russian representatives, who boycotted the Assembly and the Council, indicated that they would regard abstention from voting as tantamount to support for the League’s condemnation or expulsion of Russia. They also plainly hinted at reprisals, v'hich possibly would be directed against India.

Mr. Butler yesterday expressed the opinion that sentiment was crystallising against the expulsion of Russia, adding that Britain would support whatever action on which the majority might decide.