LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 September 1922, Page 2

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

iUai haI.IAN and n.z. cable association. GENEVA, Sept. 3. The Archbishop of Canterbury delivered to the League of Nations an inaugural sermon in the Cathedral St Pierrie. Sir A. Balfour read the les- | sons and many delegates wore present. Dr Davidson said he believed tic League might go far to make the kingdom of God a reality in our lifetime, hut it is vain to talk of the righteousness of God while the molistrous arbitrament of war was impending. Foremost thinkers, statesmen and rulers of Christendom had thrown their streiigt l into devising plans to make war impossible. Meantime they might surely say that militarism had fashioned coffin and they were there to clinch the nails. Some nations were hot paying contributions and others were paying on a reduced scale proposed last year, but still not validated. The League authorities were in a serious quandary and disinclined to insist on a higher scale. They cannot enforce payments even in the ease of defaulters. S-iine smaller nations had suspended contributions pleading national poverty. The League shrinks from expulsion fearing a break in the league. NeverI theless, unless the finances are strengthened or expenditure is curtailed, some foresee the gradual disinter- ' gration. Sir James Allen of New Zea- ' land, the sole. British member of the I Finance Committee has been attending the committee for several days, and admits that the finances require very grave consideration. I GENEVA, Sept. 1. ' Honduras, Salvadore, Nicaragua, Ar--1 gent ilia, and Bolivia are not represented on the League of Nations. Peru is holding off until the election of a President. If Edwards of Chili, was chosen, she will not take part. j HELP FOR. AUSTRIA. 1 LONDON, Sept. 4. I The “Daily Telegraph’s” Geneva correspondent states that the Austrian Premier has been invited to dis- ' cuss with the League of Nations’ Council the question of the remedies neeessarv to relieve Austria. It. is said that the entire Austrian currency is purehasenble for three and a half millions sterling. The question j is whether the League should advance . that sum on the security of the railways, in order to ro-establish the fiduciarv circulation. It is also stated that certain ban Vs are prepared to lend Austria £10,000,000 if the League gives guarantees. LEAGUE OF NATIONS. LONDON, Sept 4. The “Daily News” Geneva correspondent states that Germany will not apply for membership of the League . of Nations. The Little Entente and Sweden are applying for two of the four vacancies.' China will probably drop out.