LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1926, Page 2

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.]

THE HAND OF MUSSOLINI. LONDON, March 18,

Tho extent of the Geneva setback to a European settlement is already shown by a crop of new issues being raised in all quarters. The most important one eencerns tho fate of the Locarno Treaty itself. It is pointed out by responsible papers, such as the “Daily Telegraph” that the Treaty lacks legal force so long as Germany is outside, tin* League. “This,” says the -'Telegraph.” “Frame appears to have overlooked in her eagerness lo reconstitute tlm League Council. Other quarters suggest that the Locarno spirit having waned, it may he Advisable to re-examine the guarantees offered to France and Germany, which was not approved unanimously, hut was accepted hitherto because it was argued that possible dangers were rendered innocuous by the spirit oi tho Treaty, if not by the text.” It is indicated also that tho pressure of the claimants will not cease with the postponement, but will bo more likely to increase. Certainly attention will most probably lie given to tho question of a Dominions’ scat on the Council.

Finally, there is an unsolved mystery in the olxluracy of Brazil, whose own chalices of re-election are considered most remote. Tho “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent confirms the report that Italy was openly accused of having encouraged Brazil, while tho Berlin Nationalist newspapers, without qualification similarly indict Signer Mussolini.

The “Daily Herald’s” Geneva correspondent says: Signor Grandi, Premier Mussolini’s Under-Secretary of l‘oreign Affairs, told Italian pressmen that anything against Brazil that they sent to Italy would be censored. The suspicions of Italy were so general that the Brazilian delegate was dubbed ‘ - Mussol i ne-Fra n ca. ’ ’

The Paris press refuses to accept Sir A listen Chamberlain’s description' uf the position as a tragedy. Indeed, the more reactionary papers are inclined to be jubilant at Germany’s rebuff.

'flic ‘‘Journal Dos Debuts” says:— “Germany, if admitted, would have intrigued against the Little Entente, so it is not for us to reproach Brazil.” The London press generally reaffirms faith in the League’s future, while strongly criticising the recent, wrangling*. " The “Daily Telegraph” asks where will the authors of the Locarno Settlement lie half a year hence. Neither M. Briaml nor Dr Luther’s Government, It says, can be confident of

surviving so long. The “.Morning Post” considers that it is now made clear that the power of individual members of tbe Council to veto any proposal may lx> used to a dangerous effect. Tbe “Daily Chronicle” and “Daily News” blames M. Briaml and Sir Austen Chamberlain.

The “Times” declares tbe League knows now tbe restricted nature of its own powers. It asks: “Has any interested party been supporting Brazil ? Does tli is strange obduracy imply some obscure movement of American protest against tbe attempts to subordinate the league to tbe immediate purposes of Europe? The “Daily Herald.” while it affirms that Signor Mussolini bates the League, says lie saw bis chance, and took” it. ft also blames Sir Austen Chamberlain for encouraging intrigue, prior to the Assembly. It adds: “If Sir Austen Chamberlain has not the decency to resign, be ought to be dismiss-

oil.” , . The. “Financial I lines says: IJisappointmont at the Geneva breakdown is reflected on the stock exchange. Brazilian stocks are displaying considerable weakness.

The “Financial News” remarks: — There- is nothing for the financiers to do until better counsels prevail than jo walk warily and bold tighter the reins of credit. GERMANY TO APPLY AGAIN. GENEVA, March 17. The Geneva delegation bus left for home. Before they went it was offieinllly announced by the spokesman of the delegation that Germany did not intend withdrawing her application for membership. NO SUPER-STATE YET. GENEVA, March 17. “We have not yet- reached the time when we can create a- supor-State over the world,” wearily declared Sit- Austen Chamberlain at a reception to jour, naiists. He obviously was fatigued afcr his weeks of work for sixteen hours daily. Ho said that he was convinced that any attempt to govern by a majority in the League Council would break down. Filially, lie acknowledged the help the Dominions representatives had given him. He said that lie had constantly called them, together to place, them in full possession of the fnets.

DOMINIONS AND ARTICLE NINE LONDON, March 17.

In the House of Lords, Lord Parnioor drew attention to Article Nine of the Locarno Agreement. He asked whether there had been any correspondence there anent with South Africa and Canada. Had the Dominions been given any opportunity to express their views concerning foreign policy, unity oil which was most important for the peace of the world. Lord Clarendon replied that the present was not ail opportune time to discuss the Locarno Agreement. So lar as the Ministry were aware, none oi the Dominion Parliaments had been invited to express their views on Article Nine. There had been extensive- correspondence with the Dominions before the signing of the Locarno Pact. Ihc Ministry were ot the opinion that its publication would be prejudicial to future free interchange of opinion. The matter would ho fully discussed at the Imperial Conference.

AITSTRA LIAN ATTITUDE. (Received this day at 8 n.m.) MELBOURNE, March 19. In the House of Representatives Mr Bruce (Federal Premier) commenting on Brazil’s attitude of holding up the admission of Germany to the League, said be thought it was deplorable that one nation should have been able to do so much to destroy the spirit which was shown at Locarno. Mr Bruce added that the Commonwealth Government took the view that nothing should have been done at the special meeting of the League Assembly which would in any way prevent Germany’s admission and the carrying out of the undertaking that sho would he given a permanent sent on the Council. The Premier concluded by saying that his Government had taken a. very definite line and had intimated its views to the British Government that it was most undesirable that there should he an increase in the permanent membership of the League Council beyond the admission of Germany.