THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 19 February 1926, Page 3

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association j

M) INCH EASE IN LEAHUK (. OUN'CIL. LONDON, Feb. IT. Jt. is leanicd on high nutltorily Hint It. is practically arranged tlint there shall he no increase in the nicinlxM'siii)> of the League Connell in .Man'll, with the sole exception of (iennany. The general enneensus opinion is that the Council is opposed In an incerease in the membership with the exception of (iennany, pending me reference of the question to the lull Assembly in September. The whole trouble arose out of a good tuttured promise ol Sir Austen Chamberlain to Al. Jjriaud to support the giving of a permanent seat to Spain as a counter-poise to Germany’s • inelusion, thereby preserving the proportional representation ol the Catm Mk peoples in relation to the other imJKm tions. Rumours in reference t-> lhi> X agreement prompted other Powers, and JPc notably Poland, to demand admission to the Council. Thereupon, Sir Austen ChnnTherlniu, with, the support ol his Cabinet, reverted to the status quo. Everything now points to an amicable meeting in March, the unanimous admission of Germany and tne postponement of all contentious matters till September. Mr Joseph Cool; and Sir James Allen are attending on the eighth ol March at the Assembly. BERLIN. Feb. IS. Sir Eric Drummond, in an interview, said lie believed that Germany’s objections to entering the Dengue are *, now removed. [t is stated in other quarters that it is now certain that only Germany s election to the Council will lake place on the eighth of March, and also that Germniiv will not object later in <ne election - of Poland and Spain. A REPORT DENIED. LONDON. February 1 5 . The report that Sir Eric Drummond and Strcsomann had agreed that Germany alone would he granted a permanent seat on the League Council in March is entirely without foundation. It is true the question of composition was discussed and Dr Strcsemaiiii pointed out that serious difliculties would arise il the Council vote * suddenly enlarged by the inclusion of other members besides Germany, but it is authoritatively emphasised that the foreign Governments concerned must decide on the future composition of the Council. Sir Erie Drummond confined himself to expressing his personal views, which he stated, would he sympathetic Inwards the German attitude.

GERMANY'S ENT.RY. A 1? 1: AN<l EM ENTS COM PI. ETE. RERUN, Eel). 111. -v According to tin- arrangements l.<>- ■ iwcon Sir Eric Drummond and the Foreign Oflicc, Germany's application 1,, r admission to the League of Nations will he referred to it committee appointed l>v the Assemhly at Geneva on the Bth March. This committee will also elect a suit-committee whereat a German delegate will probably give information to the Assembly. A vote is unlikely before 10th March. As soon as Germany’s admission to the League is agreed to the Council will consider the question of giving Germany a pcimanent seat, on the Council. If this is carried unanimously the Assembly will be asked to adopt it, wheretore a simple majority is sutheient. H M. BIG AND EXPLAINS, i PARTS, Feb. lib B The German Ambassador, Von I Hocsch, interviewed M. Brinml on the i question of Germany’s entry into the * 1 emnie Tt is understood the trench v Premier stated the question of enlargi„.r the Council, like Germany s entry, is a. matter for the Assembly’s decision. The proper place lor Gonnuny to o >- iect to any changes in the composition of the Council would be befou the Assembly once she was a mendier ot the League.

GERMAN PROTEST . PARTS, Feb. 19

Details of the M. Bnund and \on Hocsch conversation (cabled yesterday) after which Von Hocsch went to Perlin, are published to-day bv ‘Lo Matin ” They indicate Von Hocsch protested on'behalf of the German Government against the creation of m\\ permanent seats on the League Council. He asked M. Brimid if * "as the intention to give such a seat tonnv other power tTian Germany. >]• Bi iand told Von Hocsch that 1 ohvnd s presence on the League Council seemed necessary for a thorough and loyal fulfilment of the Locarno agreements. JTo also considered South America should be permanently represented. Other French papers strongly favour Poland’s candidature for n place tm the League Council,