GENEVA CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1926, Page 3

GENEVA CONFERENCE

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] DISARMAMENT COMMISSION. CONDON, May 21. The “ Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent says: “It is understood that the Disarmament Commission is adjourned from Saturday, possibly until after the mooting of the League of Nations Assembly, a course that is tantamount to an indefinite shelving of the wtiole disarmament question. The recognition of this will cause bitter disappointment in America, Britain and Scandinavia, though numerous Continental powers which, throughout, have . been determined to sidetrack disarmament, will heave a sigh of relief. The matter has now been transmitted to Sub-Committees which virtually consist of the League’s technical organisations, plus German and American experts. Continental Europe, and particularly the group including France and her eastern allies, and the Russian border states, have not yet the will to carry out disarmament. The French Government was desirous of avoiding an open conflict with London and Washington. France, accordingly, has ensured that the Preparatory Commission shall thresh out disarmament, or else shall show the futility of summoning a Plenary Conference. It must be admitted that the present state of F.urope favours the French opinion, such as the refusal of Russia to attend a Disarmament Conference, the civil war in Poland, and the fact that Germany is still outside the League. France considers the security provided by the Locarno Pact is inadequate. Lord Cecil’s pacific spirit has not evoked the slightest response from France or Italy in connection with submarines. Even on tlie seas, disarmament is a very slow and partial process.” GENEVA. .May 20. At a sitting of the Disarmament Committee Lord Cecil warmly approved of the declaration of Count Bernstorlf, that the League of Nations had entirely changed the aspect and question of disarmament. lie said bo could not imagine any circumstances in which tlie British Government would make war against any member of the League, or any civilised power except in pursuance i of the Covenant; unless there should he an actual attack on the British Em- ' pire, which was hot within eontompla- 1 tion at all. He believed that what- i ever Government was in power in Fug- t land, that would certainly he its policy, f anil the people of the country would permit of no other. The British Gov- s eminent earnestly desired every conn- i try to proceed with voluntary disnrma- i incut. They must get down to definite practical proposals. " t BUENOS AYRES, .Mav 20., t The Argentine Cabinet has author- I ised the expenditure of thirty-two million gold pesos for the purpose of two s small cruisers, three submarines, two b destroyers and two gunboats. ‘

NO COAL DEVELOPMENTS, (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, .May 21. No coal developments are expected until next week. The miners’ delegates have departed for their homes. LABOUR’S VERSION. (Received this day at 9.0 a.m.) LONDON, May 21. Labour’s official press version is that the strike terminated because.the Trade Union Congress realised that the Government must he saved from the eonsequences of its on folly in declaring the strike was an attack upon constitutional government. If the Trade Congress liad been as foolishly truculent and obstinate as the Ministers not only would Sir IT. Samuel’s mediation have failed, hut* a disastrous extension of the strike would have been inevitable.