THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1926, Page 3

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

IS CRISIS COMING? AVIIAT--FRANCE IS WORKING FOR. [Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received this (lay at 11.0 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 11. The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent in an important article beaded ‘‘Coining ( risis in the League of Nations,” says th,o British Cabinet

members and diplomatic and legal experts are daily tonsulting regarding - the great and delicate issues raised by the (icrmaii application In enter the League, which has given rise to a momentous diplomatic struggle in the chancellories of Europe and even in the 'League lobbies. Franco, supported by various power*, is leading a movement designed to increase the Permanent Scat Council by the addition of Spain and Portugal and possibly Brazil, and thereafter increase the full personnel of the Council to fifteen. The primary object of the movement is to offset Ibo effect of Germany's presence, neutralising it before band by the consolidation of the overwhelming anii-Germau majority. The ultimate consequent c of the movement, if it succeeded, would -be more serious, for if would, thereafter weak/.'ii Britain's position in the League and might coni) lately transform the purpose, character and structure, of the league. Tito permanent majority for the. 1 French policy, which tho promoters arc seeking to create in the League Council, would consist of the I'ollow--4ng categories: “Hi) —Countries with a special military pact with France, namely Belgium, Poland and Czeebo-Slovakia. (2) The 'Latin States with cultural affinities with France, like Spain. Brazil, and at present even Italy, owing to "Iter dispute with Germany. (3) —The countries at present represented nil the Council by their ambassadors ab Paris, namely, Japan. Spain, Brazil and Uruguay, which are now nick-named the “Paris vote.” Apart from Japan these always see European problems through Paris sjxvtn- hs. Though, at !p rer. .'lit, tip 'Council -/votes must- he unanimous, it it difficult in practice, for one or two countries to stand against the rest of the movement. Further it is aiming to enable a majority, instead of unanimous decisions, to he given on important issues. In a nutshell these so-called Reformers want to assure themselves in the first place a permanent do facto majority in the Council, which by amendments into a de jure majority. It is not difficult to :>eo how this LatinWestern Slav (oaiiiion, apart from the German problems, could [lace Britain and Sweden and possibly, occasionally Belgium and Japan, in a hind of perpetual hopeless minority. This would lie intolerable, considering the population, resources and civilisation of all the British .Empire and its contribution to the spiritual and material maintenance of th,? League.

GERMAN AOMITTANCE. LONDON. February 11. In tlio House of Commons, replying to Afr MacDonald, Sir Austen Chamberlain (Foreign Secretary) said Gerlnuny’s application for admittance to the League was inevitable, and opened lip t'!ie whole question of the composition of the League Council, and it ~w>uld gi re rise to claims in other quarter*; Until the latter were considered it was impossible to say which course would he the host to serve the League interests. The British -Ministry at present was considering all the issues, and lie had hopes that he would he able to make a. statement before he leaves to attend the March meeting of the Council; but be hoped also it would be recognised that in such a matter, upon which a good deal of difference of opinion may exist, it was desirable that the full weight should he given to the feeling and arguments of both in the Council and in the Assembly. Thus object and usefulness of the League would he destroyed if the delegates ' were rigidly bound by instructions beforehand. - Mr Thurtlo (Labour member for Slrfffedilcli) asked: “Is it true, as stated in the press, that you have undertaken to support Spain’s claims to a seat on the Council ?” Sir A. Chamberlain: “ I do not wish to adit to my statement. It is unfortunate that I have been asked to do so.”