THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1926, Page 3

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

J Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.J league: of nations. RERUN’, Sept. 22. As a resiflt of the conversation at Duisberg with the Chairman of the League, the German industrialist, Max Musspratt, representing the Federation of British Industries, reported that the Anglo-German industrialists confer jn London and • discuss the cooperation, including the British participation proposed in the. Franco-Ger-man Belgian Steel Trust. german aims. GENEVA. Sept. 22. Alluding to the Colonial question at the German Colony-s reception. Herr' Stresefnnnn drew attention to the loyalty the natives hact shown Germany, declaring it proved that she was perfectly fit to govern colonial territories. It might now- be said, with all confidence, that Germany had the same right to possess colonies as any other people. Ho added that Germany’s solemn admission into the League was equivalent to the withdrawal of the war guilt accusations by the nations participating in the League. The German Government’s principal aims are: Firstly, the restoration of German Sovereignty 'jn German Territory; secondly, the recognition of the right self determination of all peoples. Germany did not desire merely the reduction of Allied troops in the .Rhineland by a few thousand. She claimed that any occupation was incompatible with the principal and absolute equality among the members of the League. It was impossible for long to continue the occupation of Saar, when the inhabitants wished to return to German jurisdiction. Herr Stresemann’s speech to the German colony created a stir, but he contends that he said nothing sensational. Lie pointed out he and M. Briiuid discussed the whole question of the evacuation of the Rhineland and the restoration of Saar. He explained the delusion of self-determination only related to a possible plebiscite in Saar. He repudiated the Italian interpretation that he was hinting that Austria and the Italian and Tyrol might attach themselves to Germany, Iff. Briand himself did not envisage the fresh redistribution of the European territory. He considered that the progress recently made toward the Franco-German renpproachement was greater than he had ever hoped. He saw therein the prestige for general European pacification, and would himself represent Germany at, further meetings of the League Assembly Gt?unci 1. FRENCH COMMENT. PARIS', Sept. 22. If lie had wanted to wreck negotiations/ he could not have acted more effectively, said'the “Journal des Dehates, commenting on what is described as Stresomanil’s extraordinary speech. It adds that the Treaty of Versailles, although envisaging Germany’s entry into the League solemnly affirms Germany’s war guilt, which the entry into the League in no way affects. The speech is a timely warning, reminding us that- serious precautions must he taken before we go too far in negotiations with a Government which believes the ex-Kaiser is not guilty.