LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 December 1920, Page 2

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

( AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION THE BUDGET COMMISSION. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) GENEVA, Dec. 12 Mr Millen at the Budget Commission questioned whether Mr Thomas’s explanation of the labour organisation expenditure had satisfied anyone. He said the rapidity wherewith the expenditure was increasing migßt soon find the League faced with; a millions Budget. Australia’s contributions were unfair and unjust and would cause Parliament to scan the expenditure • minutely. He suggested an advance copy of tiie Budget should reach the distant States at least six-weeks before alterations-to be notified by cable. Mr Rowell protested against the action of the London Conference in regard to Armenia. He declared the admission of new : States was being settled at Geneva, not at London, Paris or Rome.

Lord Cecil and Dr Nansen supported; Rowell.

The Assembly examined the Commission’s report on the international court. Several members of the Commission were strongly of opinion that the Court could only be established by protocol, not a resolution of the Assembly. Others feared this would establish a harmful precedent. The Commission finally agreed it was possible to submit the constitution to the court for the Government’s approval without creating a precedent. When the portocol was signed tile majority of. courts would come into being. The Commission agreed when the labour question came before the special Chamber, that five Judges be assisted ,by four technical advisers, without the right to - vote. Nations signing the portocol may at any time declare in favour of compulsory jurisdictions; without special agreement in relation to any other State, affecting the same obligations.