LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 March 1926, Page 3

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

GERMANY'S ENTRY CERTAIN. BRAZIL’S THREAT. LONDON, March 11. An unconfirmed report from Geneva says that the Brazilian delegate formally notified the secret session of the Council that he had received instructions from his Government to withdraw from the League if Brazil is not given a. permanent seat, and that before doing so, Brazil must veto Germany’s election. The British United Press threw a bombshell into London when it first announced Brazil’s drastic action at Geneva. Later telegrams show that during a secret session, Sir Austen Chamberlain repeatedly appealed for a peaceful solution, urging the seriousness of the situation. AL Bonconr (France) similarly made an eloquent appeal, and ho moved the delegates who had raised a difficulty. Before the Brazilian delegate made his surprising declaration, it was believed that virtual agreement had been readied, hut the, whole trouble then recommenced. It was decided to sunir moil an official Council Session on Wednesday at four o’clock on condition that .w. Briand, who arrives at noon, signfies his approval. The Council wishes to force all the countries to a public committment, thereby centralising the responsibility.

WHAT BRAZfL WANTS. GENEVA, .March 11. Sir Austen Chamberlain’s and M. Boncour’s appeal prevented a rupture on Tuesday afternoon, they expressing the hope that -M. Briand’s conciliatory spirit would find a solution. Senor Mellofraneo (Brazil) interviewed, stated: “I have acted on very restricted instructions. It now remains to he seen what solution will he lound. Brazil’s demand for a seat elates back to 1921. It is imperative that America should remain united in demanding this recognition, if she is to have adequate representation within the League. While we promised to support Germany in full Council, merely occupying a. place for the United States and being willing to withdraw when the United States enters the League. ANOTHER STATE THREATENS. GENEVA, March 11. It is understood that apart from Brazil, another State threatens to resign from I lie League unless Boland is granted a seat. GERMANY STANDS FIRM. GENEVA, March 11.

The German delegates continue solidly to hold on to their positions in insisting that if Germany enters the Council alone she will he fully restored to her former prestige as a world Power, hut that if anv other Bowers, which were less prominent in the war, enter at the same time Germany will thero by loso her status as n world Power.

Dr Strcsemann, interviewed, explained that the German delegates would not pronounce for or against another candidate for the Council, which must lio decided bv the Council itscll. SIR A. CHAMBERLAIN ANXIOUS. DISCORD MIGHT HAVE BEEN AVOIDED. LONDON, March 12. The efforts of the negotiators towards a iLeaguo agreement were yesterday directed into two distinct channels—firstly, that of persuading Brazil and Spain to withdraw their claims for admission to the Council simultaneously with Germany; and secondly, that of persuading M. Unden (Sweden) to withdraw his threat to veto any enlargement of the Council except Germany.

The position this morning, after conferences lasting into the night, was that AL Unden remained immovable. Spain showed signs of her willingness to withdraw her claim at present if only Germany’s claims were presented. Senor Mellofraneo (Brazil) lengthily conferred with Dr Luther, after M’liieh lie cabled to Rio do Jnnioro. asking for lieM' instructions, the nature of which has not been disclosed, but it may bo conjectured that Poland apparently is reconciled to taking a place in tlio background. The conversations will bo resumed ibis morning. Tlio members of Hie Council meet in the afternoon, whether it will be officially or unofficially depends on flic course of events Sir A. Chamberlain late 10-niglit admit tod his anxiety. Sir Austen denied earlier that lie bad menaced Af. Unden (Swedish delegate) who himself repudiated these reports.

Several reliable correspondents, liowever, affirm that under i\l. Briand's influence, Sir Austen Chamberlain renewed bis efforts to sceuro the enlargement of the Council. It is even stated that ho demanded that all three applications for permanent seats, Spain, Brazil and Poland, bo grant-

The correspondents note’ that Sir A OhninberMn -no lofn.ger smiilcs, 'hut glares stonily through his monocle. M. Briand’s ardour has quickly been damped. He has complained that he is pursued by some malignant sprit. The Germans are calm. They even sympathise with Sir A. Chamberlain and M. Brin ml in their troubles, but they declare that they must go home oil Monday if there is no settlement. Other delegations, including the 'Dominion representatives are tiring of the delay. Everyone feels that the matter must be brought to a head. The “Daily Telegraph’s’’ diplomatic correspondent, in this connection, says that : t is thought in London League circles that the Wednesday unofficial Council meeting was a mistake. Some delegates did not dare to speak publicly as they did secretly. None of the London papers prophesy the upshot, hut the Australian Press Association holds fast to the belief that there will lie a settlement or the Hit? all along as indicated. The “Daily Telegraph’’ says: Those whose business it is to make almost hourly appreciations of the situation are firmly of the opinion that it- will he found that only Germany will he admitted, and that she will agree to examine the whole question, and that all the other claimants will accept this as a temporary measure, and as the only solution of the deadlock. The Australian Press Association says that due regard is paid to the threats of withdrawal to avert a polititicnl crisis in the respective countries, hut, in the light of all the circumstances, it is thought that the conciliatory overtures now in progress will effectively overcome those arguments. Only one other among the many possibilities noted he mentioned, namtely, the suggestion that the Assembly may break up, and that Germany's admission will he deferred till September. Dr Luther already has intimated that if it is intended to elect others, lie will have to return to Berlin to consult the Reichstag. “The Times” commenting on the Geneva proceedings, says: It- is not agreeable to reflect that, if the British Government three weeks ago had

taken a firm stand in favour of Germany’s admission solely, this humiliating spectacle, of international discord might havio been avoided. M. BRIAND’S MOVE. GENEVA, March It. The French. Breniicr, M. Briand, has lost no time in taking up the threads of tho delicate siuation. It is suggested that he is sounding the posibility of whether, in the event of Poland postponing her claim to a Council seat, it will he possible to get unanimity for the election of Spain and Brazil. There is much speculation concerning the significance of a long conversation to-day between Dr Luther and Senor Mellofraneo (Brazil;. GERMAN COMMENT. BERLIN, March 11. Commenting on Brazil's threat, the “\’orwnerl/."’ (Socialist) says: Ihe idea that the Locarno agreement could he shattered at the last minute by a state six thousand kilometres lrom Europe is so absurd that common sense is unable to comprehend it. J.'OB KB: \ SECRETARY’S DENIAL. GENEVA, March. 12. Hon. Alston Chamberlain received the British journalists. He declined there was no shadow of foundation for the report that lie had been presiding. The Swedish delegates, tv'.ho had strenuously opposed the election of any new number to the Council except Germany, lmd to change their attitude. Mr Chamberlain said his one aim was to avoid the disaster threatening the League and Europe. It is learned that yesterday s meeting of the Council caused the greatest anxiety. It is not. believed the outre of Germany is endangered, hut it is" felt that such entry will he made In circumstances frustrating conciliation.