LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 March 1926, Page 2

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.]

SPIRIT OF SELF-SACRIFICE. LONDON, Alareli 15

The spirit of recalcitrance, according to the latest telegrams from Geneva, has suddenly changed to the keenest desire to find a way out, almost amounting to self-sacrifice. AT. linden, the Swedish delegate, lead in offering that Sweden would vacate her seat in favour of Poland, was not acceptable to Germany. It was acceptable to all others. Germany objected because she said it meant replacing neutral Sweden with Francophile Poland. According to one report Jugo-Slavia, Czecho-Slovakia and Roumania all conferred and decided to offer Czechoslovakia’s resignation from the Council, their idea, being that Poland should replace her, and that Holland should take Sweden’s place. This latter is • at present regarded most hopefully. Alcanwhile, the critical meeting of the Assembly, fixed for to-morrow, is likely to be postponed until AA’ednesdav. 'file interminable secret sittings ot the League Council were continued yesterday, resuming this morning. Iho only change in the situation is that the members have become suddenly and strangely silent, after many days of gesticulating gnrrulousnessT which afforded satisfaction solely to the cinema, operators, who enjoyed excellent opportunities for filming the members’ movements and securing “ closeups,” wherein frowns and scowls have been more plentiful than smiles.

The solution now being considered is that Czecho-Slovakia and Sweden shall withdraw in favour of Poland and Holland. while an answer is awaited from Hio in reference to Brazil’s vote. It is pointed out that though Germany may object to the creation ot an additional seat, she cannot prevent any country from renouncing a seat, whereupon the League is bound to elect a new member. It is argued that Berlin would bo assuaged, because one of the so-called neutral countries would replace Sweden while one of the so-called pro-French countries would be discarded to make way for Poland. So many interests, however, would be affected by such a settlement that it is difficult to believe that it can he accomplished. Sir Austen Chamberlain again lengthily conferred with the Dominion representatives and reviewed the negotiations. particularly those of tlie past forty-eight hours. Tho Australian Press Association states it lias information that a committee will he appointed to examine the Constitution of the Council. There appears to be still some difficulty in regard to Poland, ami, though Czechoslovakia and Sweden are willing to resign. it is understood this course finds no favour among some of the great Powers. Germany’s attitude is still one of studied aloofness. It is regarded as certain that the question of Germany’s admission will <*ome before tlie Assembly onYYednesdav. Referring to Al. Briand’s admission that the Locarnoites promised that “ Eventually Germany would lie given the allottmeiit of a Colonial mandate,” the Loudon Secretariat of the League of Nations explains that this matter was the subject of negotiations between Germany and the League’s Council last year. Germany wrote asking that “in due time, she be given an active share in the working of the mandates system.” The whole ten members of the Council replied approvingly, but it was pointed out that no mandates were vacant, not could one he allotted to Germany unless some mandatory defaulted or voluntarily relinquished one. Thus, the matter remains until Germany joins the League and becomes entitled Io make representations. The council of the Australian Press Association understands that Germany’s ambitions are confined' either to Togoland or the Camerooiis, now mandated to France. BRAZIL RENEWS THREAT. GENEVA, Alarch 175. Brazil is again threatening to veto Germany. Consequently, eleven of the South American States have jointly cabled, urging the Brazilian Government not to veto Germany, whose election to the Council would be purely a European affair, and only ol secondary importance to Brazil. If the latter acquiesces, there is a chance ot ending the impasse.

COUNCIL MEETING DELAYED G FXEVA, Alarch 16,

The League' Assembly will meet on Wednesday, and not on 'Tuesday, in order to give time to settle the crisis in connection, with Germany’s entry. Paul Boneour interviewed, expressed the opinion regarding Germany’s entry that “all would go well.” Tho League Council is expected to meet again oil Thursday. CANADIAN ATTITUDE. OTTAWA, March 15. The Canadian Premier, Mr McKenzie .King, who took his seat in tho House of Commons oil Monday, for tlio first time this session, announced that the British Government could not sc© its way clear to agree to the publication of the correspondence with the Dominion of Canada, in regard to tho Locarno Treaty. The view taken was ■Unit •.this donlespoOideiice contai.ned confidential communications in regard to the attitude of foreign Governments. T lie British Government was prepared to allow the publication of lin'd part of the correspondence dealing with 11 /a holding of tho 'lmperial Conference.

Replying to a request for a statement of fho* Government’s policy in regard to tho Locarno Treoty, the Premier stated that it would he better not to discuss it while the League was meeting at Geneva.