COMPLICATIONS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 25 November 1927, Page 6

COMPLICATIONS

LEAGUE OF NATIONS’ MEETING disarmament question. GENERAL DISCUSSION WANTED. London, Not. 23. Complications are arising in connection with the Geneva meeting on November 30. It wa s first understood that the session would last merely two or three days and be confined to the task entrusted to it by the Assembly in September—namely, the appointment of a special committee to deal with security as affecting disarmament, and that the drawing up of a programme would be adjourned until February. The French attach the utmost importance to this procedure. Their contention always has been for security before disarmament. It has become known, however, that Count Bemstorff has asked M. Jonkheer to include a general discussion on disarmament next week, and the Soviet delegation is almost certain to support the German request, but from a different motive, their hope being to make the meeting overlap the League Council and afford Litvinoff an opportunity of meeting Sir Austen CTinmberlain. No one Is deceived by the Soviet's assumed interest in disarmament, which is merely intended to cover the usual gibes against the capitalistic States and yield propaganda if their own programme is turned down, THE LEAGUE’S CHARTER. “The Times’ ” League of Nations correspondent, in an article, recalls that the League’s charter declaim that members will recognise that the maintenance of peace requirea the r< duction ot national armaments to the lowest point consistent with notional safety, and the enforcement by com mon action of international obligations. The correspondent points out that swollen pre-war armaments were con siderably reduced in fulfilment of that ideal. At present, on peace strength, there are at the most 3,700.000 armed men in Europe, compared with 5.318, 000 in 1914. Britain’s strength, excluding India, had been reduced from 183.000 to 166.000; France, 835.000 to 637.000; Italy, 250,000 to 246,000 Only Spain. Greece, Belgium and Yugo-Slavia had increased: also. Rumania and Yugo-Slavia owing to larger territory. If due consideration is given to the Empire s position and .dependence on sea routes. Britain has fully reduced her forces in accordance with the League charter. A member of the Preparatory Commission has even remarked that if an international standard of forces is introduced. Britain, allowing foi her world-wije responsibilities, would be entitled to increase armaments“ Times” and A. and N.Z. cables.!