LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1927, Page 3

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

_ (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) BELGIUM’S WITHDRAWAL. GENEVA. Sept. to. Members of the British delegation congratulated Mr Dandurand who will hold Canada’s seat. Belgium's failure to establish her re-eKigihiltv at the morning session is generaly regarded as in no manner the result of hostility but in view of the fact that she has sat on the Council several years, it would be advantageous for noil-per-manent seats to go in turn to other small powers. The general opinion in tho morning was that the decision meant tho first election of a British Dominion, which the voting continued. Canada secured one over the simple majority required. British circles are very gratified and believe it will be welcomed throughout the Empire, as more closely associating the Dominions with tho League's work. GENEVA, Sept. 15. There was a delightful incident when M. Villegas appointed Sir Austen Chamberlain and then Dr Strosomniin scrutineers at. the council elections. The two famous figures rose amid cheers, and proceeded to the tribune. They paused on the steps, each motioning the other precedence. Finally they ascended arm iri arm aniist roars ol laughter and applause which was redoubled when M. Rriand coming up to vote, Sir Chamberlain invitingly motioned him to a seat at the scrutineer’s table. The result of the voting was received with equal good humour and applause by the crowded assembly " tall.

DISUNITY OF EUROPE. PARTS. Sept, 15. In a speech in his campaign for election to the French Senate for Orne, tho ex-Presidcnt. M. Millerand, declared that the Locarno Pact had been vitiated because France had regarded more agreements as a. means for the consolidation of a new Europe. Germany on the other hand, believed the Pact enabled the upsetting of Europe, but Germany could not lay hands on Alsace-Lorraine, the Danzig corridor, or Silesia, without Awaiting afire Again to the world. 'France, he said, must remain strong, J in order to remain respected.

GENEVA. Sept. 15. M. Boptour will suggest to-morrow that a jfreparatory disarmament conference should be liekl to examine security as well as disarmament, aiguing that it should co-ordinate agreements or more clearly define the articles of the Covenant regarding arbitration, or adapt the Protocol to the particular conditions ruling in difleient countries.

PRESS MONOPOLIES. GENEVA, Sept. 10. A flutter of excitement was caused during; the sixth commission’s examination of the resolutions of the International Press Conference. The Norwegian Hambro criticised the monopolies hv large international news agencies and said it was ' er;s difficult for small countries to organise agencies of their own nationals. There was a danger of public opinion becoming over influenced and even paralysed by the present agencies methods.