LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 March 1926, Page 2

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

TROUBLOUS WATERS. Al. BIIIAND’S POSITION. [Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, March 9. The good ship League of Nations remains stranded until the return of Af. Brinnd or of a successor. Even then it appears it must navigate troubled waters. Al. Briand yesterday morning was tired bv unshaken. His nerves were not improved by a slight mishap making his train from Geneva, ninety minutes late. He curtly dismissed the journalists on his arrival at Gate do Lyon, lie speeded to the Elysee, where it is understood he told President Doumerguo that trance must have Government within forty-eight hours for financial reasons as well as the League, hut lie flatly refused an invitation to attempt himself to form

another Government. President Doumergue, however, is expected to renew his imitation this morning, when AL Briand probably «ill have calmed down. Aleantime the Geneva Assembly has opened tamely. Sir A. Chamberlain was appointed chairman of tho committee whose duty it is to consider Germany's application, whether she has fulfilled her international obligations and lias given sufficient guarantees to do so in future. Lord Cecil, with true Oecilinn calm, sat at the lakeside conversing with Dr Nansen. However, there is great activity. Everyone is trying apparently to discover how far others are prepared to retreat. The only persons really calm. besides Lord Cecil, are Dr Luther and Dr Streseniann. the German delegates, who are just killing time. They refuse to bargain, although it is stated they

have threatened pains and penalties

and are prepared to pack up and return home if there is nothing doing. Dr Luther and Dr Streseniann declared both al Geneva and Berlin that they would withdraw i! any other

Power is admitted to a permanent seat. It is stated with equal emphasis that Spain and Poland will withdraw if not admitted.

Al. Fiiden. on behalf of Sweden, declared he will veto the selection of any power excepting Germany. Sweden probably will be joined in this attitude by Denmark, Norway, Switzerland and Holland. The French crisis will prove a blessing in disguise, if the unexpected delay, leads to a realisation of the true purpose for which the Assembly was summoned. The “ .Morning Post’s” Geneva, correspondent states: It is authoritatively stated Sir A. Chamberlain at the Dominions’ Conference failed to win over Ireland or Canada to his viewpoint. PROCEEDINGS AT GENEVA.

GENEVA, .March 8

Tho animation in the lobbies at tho Secretariat was unprecedented when the Council of the League opened its private session to discuss the agenda. A lingo gathering of journalists, in addition to the general public, were all discussing possible solutions of the question of the reconstitution of the Council.

The concensus of opinion is that Poland at present is out of the running, and that Spain and Brazil may give way to facilitate Germany’s entry, though both the latter declare their attitude in claiming seats has nut changed.

Conversations continued during the morning, but nothing is possible until AL Briand returns. Even then it is not probable that there will lie any departure from the procedure cabled yesterday. It is not unlikely that a commission will he formed to report in September on changes in the Council, and meanwhile tho present enlargement be limited to Germany. The Council held a secret session in the morning, but it is gathered, nothing important was discussed.

Addressing the Assembly after his election, President Da Costa dwelt on tile new spirit of Locarno, which had made to-day’s fraternity, and to-mor-row it might extend to all the nations of the earth.

After electing two vice-presidents and the members of two committees, one of which will report on (Icrmaiiy’s application for admission, the League Assembly adjourned sine die. There was great public interest in the proceedings. The galleries were packed. An extraordinary session of the Assembly of the League opened in the afternoon.

Viscount Tshii, acting President, in his soeeeh. said a meeting of the Assembly at sueh short notice was mipreeenteil. It proved the efficiency of the League as an international business machine while the event which hruught the Assembly together was most significant, the request-of a great nation for admission to the League, which was a sign strengthening the hopes and confidences of nations.