THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 March 1926, Page 3

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

[Australian it N.Z. Cable Association

GENEVA, March 17. In the League Assembly Senor MelloFrntieo, reading a statement from tho Brazilian Government, contended that South America should have more equitable representation on the Council. He much regretted that Germany would not be admitted to the League at present, but declared his instructions were irrevocable. Sir Austen Chamberlain, after announcing his inability to propose Germany’s admission said ho was profoundly happy that the difficulties among the Locarno signatories had been removed. If they bad been tho only obstacle to Germany’s admission to tho. membership of the League and a permanent seat on the Council this pledge for stability and peace would have been realised, as they earnestly hoped it might have been. It was, indeed, a tragedy that another difficulty had arisen, blit the Locarno signatories were determined that the good work of peace, reconciliation and cooperation shall not he interrupted. Continuing, Sir Austen Chamberlain said: “I have discharged my task; it is a hitter disappointment for me. What I have striven for, and njliat seemed well within our grasp, must bo postponed, but I am sure the Assembly will share my hope and confidence that, the adjournment of the question shall he an adjournment only in order to make/certain that Germany will take her rightful place at the next meeting of the Assembly.”

Sir Austen Chamberlain paid an eluquertt tribute to Sweden and Czechoslovakia for their noble spirit of selfsacrifice and generosity in making possible the removal of difficulties among the Locarnoites. M. Driaud also paid a (tribute to GV.eclio-Slovakia. He was profduiklly convinced that the remaining difficulties would lie overcome and the League would emerge stronger than ever. Though the present position was a cruel one M. vßriand deplored any event, which undid the work of Locarno. Tho present difficulties must disappear; reorganisation was necessary because it was humiliating that the League should be exposed to such events. , M, .Briand said iliat I''ranee regretted, more than anyone, that Germany was not joining tho League this session. He paid a tribute to tho Germans facing the event, which was without all humour. if. Briand moved a motion regretting the present circumstances would prevent Germany’s entry, hut hoping the matter would he settled in September. Count Tslii (Japan), presiding, paid a warm tribute to the spirit of selfsacrifice shown by Sweden and Czechoslovakia. Ho proposed the appointment of a special committee to study the problems confronting the Council. The Assembly adopted At. BrLand’s motion, after statements bv various delegates. M. Loudon (Holland) expressed dissatisfaction at the failure to admit Germany. He said the Assembly expected the League to he not again exposed to such an event. M. Nansen (Norway) hoped that Germany’s admission would lie secured in September, dim (China) urged that the economic potentialities and geographical position should be taken into consideration in deciding the composition of the Council. The Roumanian delegate gave an assurance of the co-operation of tho Little Entente in the interests of the

peace. M. 7. a vie (Denmark) emphasised the Assembly was not responsible for the present difficulties. The Albanian defecate caused a stir bv pointing out that tbo Assembly was summoned to admit flermany and he demanded a vote thereon immediately, hut the President put M. Briand’s proposal. The German delegate’s listened by wireless at their hotel to the speeches. The Assembly was most impressed by the ■ declarations of Sir Austen Chamberlain and M. Brian cl. especially M. Briand’s warm expression of friendship for Germany. With the words: “The L.eaguc must now retrieve the position,” together with tbo expression of tbc hope that the work of the League would not ho arrested, hut would continu.3 to progress for the benefit of humanity, Count Ishi (Japan) closed a. momentnous session

genor Mello-Francoo in the course of his opening statement said tl« work of Locarno must find a place within the framework of the League. It was not for the League to find a place in the framework of the political constitution of Locarno. He added that the Council cannot refuse to recognise the loyalty of Brazil or the high-reasons inspiring her conduct.