HOUSE OF COMMONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 May 1923, Page 3

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CARLE ASSOCIATION. CONTEMPT OF LEAGUE. (Received this day at 10. -1 -> a.m.) LONDON, May 10. Sir John Simon in the Commons, raised a que-tinn of the League ol Nation Cutincil’s decree cabled on the Ist. He characterised the decree as extraordinary and the most astonishing abuse of legislative authority. The decree provides a punishment not exceeding live years and a line not exceeding ten thousand francs, on any persou puhliclv casting discredit on the Versailles Treaty, or insulting the League of Nations. Sir John wished to know what the Government proposed to do to eflectivelv stop proceedings exposing the League to contempt and derision. Tin- lion E. E. Wood replying, said that originally the ditlieult position in Saar had been immensely complicated by the political reactions in the Ruhr. BAD IN PRINCIPLE. (Received this dav at 1.30 p.m.) LONDON. May 10. Air Asquith said t here was no complaint to make ol the .Minister's action at the Council, hut the decree was a most serious matter affecting the prestige and tho. moral authority of the League. One might ransack ■ lit* records of Russian treatment of Poland, without finding a more men-trims specimen of despotie legislation, or more oppressive of the ordinary elementary rights of free citizenship. Lord Robert Cecil said the decree was bad in principle and ought to lie withdrawn immediately. The League Council should be summoned forthwith.

Fisher said the League of Nations should discuss the Ruhr, where the s.tuatiou was becoming mo:e dangerous every hour.

Air Morel said Era lice did not want Germany to gel i n her feet again and meant the disruption ol (jonnau industry.

Hon Wood said lie had been advised that from a strictly legal view point the from a- strictly legal -view point tire Saar Commission bad not gene beyond their treaty rights. Ihe decree did not require approval nt eonhrmat ion ol the Council, amt was justified by the Chairman of the Commission on the ground that the conditions and opinion ill the Saar press which were subsidised by Gorinanv were dangerous. Personally Wood did not make a secret of his dislike of the decree and questioned its wisdom. What the Government now proposed, was an impartial inquiry, through the League's machinery into the general question of Saar administration. They would eqniniuiiicate with the States who were members of the Council and upon their replies future action would depend.