The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JUNE 21, 1926 THE LEAGUE TEST.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 June 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JUNE 21, 1926 THE LEAGUE TEST.

Thf. League of Nations is enduring a difficult test to oiis re its life and being. Both Braid and Spain, which conspired, if not ioinly, at least singly, to upset the last sluing of the Council dealing with the question of the admission of Germany, now talk of withdrawing from the League. In the «jise of Bray.il the decision is definite, but the position with Spain is .somewhat obscure. The withdrawal of Brazil, however, does not appear to he of serious moment, while the United States of America is outside the League. If the withdrawal would facilitate unity of action along similar lines to those of the League towards universal peace in regard to the American nations, both North and South, the move would be welcomed. There is a. community of interest peculiar to the American nations which could lie enjoyed by such a leaguing of governments for

peace, and it could he operated with more justice and wisdom,than from a European court. With Spain (he position is different, and there is also the disposition of Italy to be somewhat erratic in regard to its allegiance to the League of Nations. To he the success the League should, the States of Europe require to be united, and with a definite objective to maintain continental peace. If the League of Nations at Geneva could achieve so much, it would be well worth while. There are elements of disunion also with regard to Poland, which, however, has its hands full at present with its own internal upheaval. The League contrived through the divisions of its members to split badly on the proposal to admit Germany. An act which had been agreed upon previously, but which had to be deferred till September next. The unfortunate division, if not, actual dissension at the time, was seized upon by opponents of the League’s mission to make capital out of a very unfortunate incident. The two Powers referred to, do not rank as first class Powers, and in any case could not lake serious responsiblities if the occasion arose to enforce the demands of the League Council. The question of the admission of such to full privileges in the Council is mutually one for serious consideration, and if readily they do not get their way. and show pique, it is evident they would be a, source of weakness rather than strength to the operations of the Council. There is no doubt if the course proposed by Brazil is to bo regarded as the nature of a threat, the first-ciass-Pnwors constituting the League Council will not be impressed greatly. The immediate struggle for the League of Nations will he in establishing itself in Europe, and that attained, the League will tie of international value of great moment. Germany, it would appear, will be admitted to membership in September, and certain adjustments of the Council representation will be made. But- with audi fiery elements as Italy and Poland, and tlie difficulty with Spain, it is not clear that the League will be in .smooth waters for some time. The League of Nations is a. most expensive organisation, and unless it functions definitely in no uncertain way, it is going to lie a very costly experiment. The outpouring of money is however less objectionable than the spendings of blood, and if international peace can be maintained in Europe it will be well worth monetary sacrifice, though the cost be great. The next meeting of the League of Nations will be a real testing time, and should give the best oportunitv yet of judging what service it is really going to render in assisting to maintain the peace of the world at large.