LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 September 1922, Page 3

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

DISARMAMENT COMM ISSIOX. GENEVA, Sep. 10. The Disarmament Commission reported to the Assembly that several schemes of disarmament are impracticable. The principal obstacle was ti e general instability of the world, compelling ti e nations to hesitate to c riskier disarmament in the absence of Germany, Russia and United States from the League. The Commission requested every nation to promote disarmament. and the majority .replied sympathetically, but indicated their political and geographical considerations, and the feeling of insecurity hindered it; Nevertheless the Commission reported real progress in limiting label armaments, by means of mutual guarantees protecting the contracting parties. Regarding Navy reduction, the Commission was drafting an agreement proposing to extend tho Washington Treaty to all maritime nations. Amottg the nations replying to the Commission’s request to reduce Great Britain wrote she was entirely in harmony with the spirit ol the recommendation, add had already effected ft substantial r-duc-tion. This policy was liable to reconsideration it not adopted hv other Powers. A second reply in 1D22 says further economies were realised. Australia replied entirely in harmony with the spirit of the recommendation. South Africa stated slie was reducing her defence expenditure by one-third in 11)23. Canada was in entire accord, and already had effected substantial reduction of naval, military and air departments. New Zealand associated itself with Ihe British views. The Assembly adopted Dr Nansen’s motion formally expressing general satisfaction at the .Mandates’ Commission's report, hut directing a reference hack to the Committee oil political questions for closer examination. Hir .1. Cook says this means the Committee will have power to reconsider the whole matter, and report to the Assembly. Referring to Nauru. Sir J. Cooks understands the Commission is principally concerned about ( liincse labour and the alleged financial exploitation of phosphates in the interest of Australia, New Zealand and Britain, which is believed to lie exciting the hostility of American phosphate interests. ' He pointed out to the Chairman of the .Mandates subsection of. the Council of the League had considerably modified the report from Thcodoll, as far as Nauru was concerned.