LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1919, Page 2

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

i'aUSTKAMAN »fc N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION]

HONOUR FOR MR ASQUITH. (Received this day at 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, March 19.

The “ Daily Mirror ” says Mr Asquith is likely to be invited to become the first President of the League of Nations.

DELEGATION VIEWS. (Received This Day, at 9.25 a.m.) PARIS, March 18. The British Delegation does not see the necessity of including the League of Nations in the preliminary peace terms, because the Germans are not party to it but there is no reason why the League should not be formed concurrently. It is understood there is some perturbation over Mr Wilson’s unpreparedness to carry out the draft of the peace terms, to which his representatives subscribed in his absence. There were one or two points reserved for his approval, mainly concerning territorial matters connected with the Rhineland. Though the British are satisfied the inclusion of the League was not approximate they were desirous to meet Mr Wilson s views. Some delay now appears inevitable, dependent on what form the League should be included. If it is intended to introduce an extended constitution serious delay may ensue. An article in the League covenant providing for the signatories to come to the assistance of any power threatened may induce Mr Wilson to tell the French that they have no cause to worry over the territorial security in the Rhineland, if this particular clause is included in the preliminary peace, as it would give every security they want. On the other hand, France may ask what the League really means, and what are the precise terms and methods by which assistance will be afforded. It is believed Mr Wilson does not raise any objection to the naval and military terms.