LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 March 1926, Page 2

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

[Australia <fc N.Z. Cable Association.]

BRAZIL WILL NOT BUDGE. LONDON, March 10.

“A day of complete bewilderment” about sums up the joint effect of the dispatches from Geneva. At the outset it seemed likely that the solution cabled overnight was certain of adoption, even though _ there were still rumblings from Brazil, and a hint that Roumania was hostile, and that Czecho-Slovakia would resign because the Little Entente would remain unrepresented, tor which Roumania wanted a guarantee when she was elected lasi September. Despite these doubts, most of the correspondents interpreted Dr Streseimuin’s announcement that he. M. Briand and Sir A. Chamberlain wore in complete agreement as heralding an amicable agreement. 'lbis idea was strengthened by AT. Briand’s addendum that “onlv secondary difficulties regarding proeodiirero mains, and we hope to dispose of these to-day.” But soon afterwards, a German spokesman intimated that the agreement reached was

for a postponement of Germany s <ntranee till either June or September. Then Dr Stresemann issued tne following statement : ••To-morrow’s big demonstration in the Assembly Hall will witness the adjournment cl out' admittance, hut this is not due to the I.ocarnoit.es.” LONDON. March 1 > ■ Reuter’s Geneva correspondent says that in the Assembly Sir A. ( liamocrhiin announced llmt in view ol i.uazil’s attitude, it was impossible, lor him to propose that the Assembly at present admit Germany to the i.eague Brazil early this morning had not vet withdrawn her veto, but lucre is still a hope, though of the faintest, until the Assembly meets at Geneva ai ton o'clock, corresponding to nine o’clock London lime. Arrangements have been made to begin broadcasting the speeches promptly. "I heretore there is some chance of definite news being com-

municable before press time. Sir A. Chamberlain yesterday mrriifiicr again conferred with the Dominions ropresontatves and later lie accompanied M. Briand and had an hour’s talk with Dr Luther and Dr Stresemann. \ secret sitting of the Council followed after which M. Briand and Sir Austen Chamberlain adjourned to the German delegates’ hotel, where Lis understood the draft of the press communique was approved, affirming the a.rreement of the Locarnoites, implying external difficulties and notifying the postponement until September. Brazil which a few days ago agreed to withdraw her claim for a. permancin seat simultaneously with Germany, smdenlv pressed her claim again, with a threat to veto Germany’s entry unless satisfied, and the Brazilian delegation last night remained without any instructions which would save the situation. It is affirmed that unless Jirazil withdraws her veto before 9.55, the Germans themselves will formally withdraw their request for admission at this session. Sir A. Chamberlain in a- statement, to the Assembly said the causes of the breakdown make it plain to the world that the responsibility rests with Brazil. .. , The question as to why Brazil lias adopted her attitude is causing much speculation. There is a statement that America is concerned. This is disci edited. though the “Daily Telegraph’s” Geneva correspondent mentioned that as soon as the British Government warned Brazil of financial consequences of her attitude, Wall Street at once took notice. Tne “Daily Express” says Italy and Brazil are now drawing closer, owing to an Italian emigration scheme. Another factor is that Italy is endeavouring to replace I 1 ranee in dominating the Little Entente. It must he mentioned, in 1 uimoss however, to Italv, ilmt Premier Mussolini, speaking of the Locarno Had, in the Senate in Rome, yesterday, described it, as “a great factor towards the security

and tranquility of Europe.” There is also a possibility that the true cause of the trouble is rivalry between two South American States. It, has been affirmed that the Argentine is anxious to return to the League, in which case it could rely on the support of 1 ’ Britain, whose relations are most friendly to Argentine, especially since tho' Prince of Wales’s popular visit. It is argued that it any of the Latin. American countries were to he given a permanent scat, Britain would certainly favour tile Argentine. Therefore Brazil is pressing for a permanent seat now because her claim would lie overshadowed it the Argentine claims one: in September. Finally, a statement which Scnor Lauromulli (President of the Foreign Affairs Committee) received from Rio lie Janiero at three- o’clock this morning emphasised the idealism which had caused Brazil to enter the League. -She had collaborated loyally in the solving of European problems. She complained at tho deej) ingratitude shown for the work she has done.

•‘The Times” says: “Brazil is not a first class Power, and a State in her position could he hardly expected to maintain an obdurate attitude in critical affairs that directly concern Europe, without some assurance of powerful outside support.” The “Daily Telegraph” comments on “the miserable conclusion ol a miserable chapter of League history.” It says thitt there is bargaining and bartering for seats in the worst style ol the ohl diplomacy. PARIS, March 10.

Somewhat belatedly, Al. Briand’s alleged statement regarding a rolonial mandate for Germany is declared to have been inaccurately reported, and misinterpreted. It is explained that M. Briand merely indicated that, ui becoming ;t member of the l.c:igtio, Germany would automatically enjoy the right whereto all members, it is claimed, are entitled, namely to receive a colonial inundate if ami when the occasion arose for giving her one. GENEVA, March 16.

A communique issued vo-niglit says that the representatives of Germany, Belgium. France. Britain and Italy, met and examined the .situation resulting in the difficulties which had arisen to common wishes. 'I hey note* tne fact that they have reached an agreement to overcome the obstacles which for the moment have arisen between them. If as there seems reason to feel, thv above difficulties persists, the representatives of the seven signatories of the Locarno Protocol would regret not to be able at this moment to reach the goal they had lit view, (but they are 'happy to recognise that the work of peace which they realised at Locarno. and which exists ill all its value and force, remains intact. They remain as attached thereto as they were yesterday, and are firmly resolved to work together to maintain and develop it. The communique concludes by expressing the conviction that at the next session of the Assembly, the existing difficulties will he surmounted, and that an agreement already reached regarding the conditions for Germany's entry into the League will be realised. BRAZIL STILL PERSIST ENT. GENEVA. March 17. Brazil persists in. her veto of the admission of Germany which has been postponed.