LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1927, Page 2

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.]

LEAGUE PROPOSAL. GENEVA, March 17

Referring to the Disarmament Committee’s discussion yesterday regarding nn-vnl and aerial demonstrations against any transgressing State, the diplomatic correspondent of tilt “Daily Telegraph ” commends the opposition by Signor Pilotti and M. Tituleseo, both of whom were outspoken in the in criticism.

Signor Pilotti pointed out that militaryflying over the territory of antjther country was unlawful technically, and was tantamount to the occupation of foreign soil, whereas a naval demonstration might possibly avoid intrusion into foreign territorial waters. Moreover. it would require merely a stray shot fired tit an aeioplane and a reply thereto for the exploit to involve even unwilling Powers in the cataclysm of

The correspondent avers that as the result of tlies arguments the committee whittled down the recommendation to an ilgl'cment that the matter should ho further considered. The corresoondont adds: The recommendation was dictated by a desire oil the part of certain ( oiitincutal Powers to commit the British naval and air fleets to their service oven before hostilities had broken out. Obviously, if British participation could thus be secured beforehand it would be more difficult for Britain to deny the use of her forces lor blockading for war proposes. and there would be no opportunity for the British Government to consult .Parliament or the dominions. GENEVA. "March 17 A report on America's observations has been made by the League of Nations’ Mixed Commission dealing with the economic aspects of disarmament, whereon America is not represented. The report shows that America is entirely opnosed to the international control of anv future Disarmament Convention, and also opposes any jierinanont control of military or naval organisation. K'ie urges the impossibility of considering a- an international. crime the common right of air manoeuvres, and considers it incumbent upon the Powers to establish a scale of disarmament in relation to population. Disarmament, should bo arranged by a regional agreement. Ti is imnoss'bie t i formulate in advance any economic regulations, because disarmament depends on. political eircutnstaiuos. anil tin* respective Governments de-ire to conclude Disarmament Con ven lions. LEAGUE MEETINGS. LONDON. March 18. The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent understands that Sir Austen Chamberlain at the close of the recent session of the League Coun-,-i| suggested the future meetings he limited to three, instead of four or live yearly. 110 intimated lie would formally request Sir FI. Drummond fSecretary) to report upon the desirability of such curtailment. lb is pointed out an extraordinary session could be called in an emergency.