LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 March 1926, Page 2

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

A DEADLOCK AVOIDED. PARIS, March 12. According to the Havas Agency’s Geneva, correspondent a meeting of the big five gave promise of ending in a deadlock, but reached a tentative solution as follows:Firstly—Germany to be immediately granted entry to the League of’Nations with a seat on the League Council. Secondly—The creation of fresh permanent members be referred to a committee to investigate the whole question of the composition of the Council and report, ill September. Thirdly—Poland be given a non-per-manent seat on the Council forthwith. There i.s reason to think that the whole question of permanent seats will be reserved. For the first time the Germans, today, did not- oppose the granting of a non-permanent seat to Poland, but asked for time to consider same. M. Undcii (Sweden) does not oppose the immediate granting of a non-per-manent .seat to Sweden provided Germany consents. COMPLICATIONS AT GENEVA GENEVA. March FT. The German delegates have rejected the com-ilation proposals. Sweden has offered to resign her seat on the League Council in favour of Poland.

Belgium has also offered to act similarly. A report from Copenhagen states that Poland is bringing pressure on Sweden to change her attitude, failing which the Poles threaten an economic war.

Reports from Warsaw state that a mass meeting of students there passed :.t resolution in support of Poland’s claim to a Council seat. Thousands marched in a procession singing the National Anthem.

M. Briand hits postponed Us departure from Geneva, being now hopeful of a settlement. It is regarded as significant that Sir Austen Chamberlain lunched with the German delegates. It is officially staled that the “ Rig Five’s” negotiations have failed. The question will be referred to the Council of the League immediately.

Sir Austen Chamberlain in an interview, said that although he was more hopeful yesterday of a satisfactory settlement of the Council membership problem, as the result of M. Vanderveldo (Belgium) making a passionate appeal, M. Briand’s. attitude and bis own efforts to go ono better, lie now felt that Dr Luther’s rejection of their proposals made all their efforts to continue the conversations useless. Sir Austen Chamberlain described the outcome of the efforts made as a, tragedy and be added: “As to the future, the whole affair is in the hands of the League Council.” It was impossible to say what the reaction of the latest events would be. LONDON, March 13.

Yesterday was a most exciting one at Geneva, Brazil and Spain both waiving their demands for a seat on the League Council, but At. Briand urged the German delegates to agree to Poland having a 11011-permanent seat till September. The Germans refused ibis. On their doing sci, M. Briand upbraided them. Dr Strcsciiiiinn retorted: “The French have tlimwii the ball at us. AYe return it.” The result is a continued deadlock. A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE’. STOCKHOLM., March 12. It is sumi-oflicially .stated that the Spanish Government officially made representations to the Swedish authorities in reference to the enlargement ol the League Council, but the Swedish Government, pointed out that Sweden's position in this connection is purely a matter of principle.

LOCARNO SIGNATORIES AIEET. LONDON, Ala roll 13. A communique from Geneva states that conversations between the signatories of the Locarno Fact, with the addition of Lord Cecil (England) and Al. Boneour (France) were continued this morning and various suggestions wore made for the solution of the difficulty. The meeting adjourned to afford time for reflection. The time of the next meeting was not fixed.