THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1927, Page 3

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS

A LEAGUE apologist, (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) London, xov. sm. Tlie League of Nations correspondent in an article recalls the League’s Charter and declares that members recognise that the maintenance of peace requires a reduction of national armaments to the lowest point consistent with national safety and the enforcement by common action of international obligations. The correspondent jMiints out that the swollen pre-war armaments have been considerably reduced in fulfilment of that idea. At prseent on a peace strength, there are at the most 3,700,000 armed men in Europe compared with 1,380.000 in 1911. Britain’s strength, excluding India, has been reduced from 183,000 to 160,000, France 831,000 to 037,000. Ttaly 210,900 to 230,000. Only Spain, Greece, Belgium, Roumania and Jugoslavia have increased—Boiinmnia and Jugo-Slavia owing to larger territory. If due consideration is given to the Empire’s position and dependence or sea routes, Britain has fully reduced her forces in accordance with the League Charter.

A member of the Preparatory Commission has even remarked that if an international standard of forces were introduced, Britain, allowing for her world-wido responsibility, would ho entitled to increased armaments.

FRANCE’S ATTITUDE. LONDON, Nor. 23. Complications arc arising in connection with the Geneva meeting on November 30. At first it was under-

stood that the session would last mere-

ly two or three days and be confined /.to tlie tasks entrusted by the Assembly in Septemlier, namely the appointment of a special committee to deal with security as affecting disarmament and that this drawing up of a programme would lie adjourned until

February. The French attach the utmost importance to this procedure. Their contentions always lias been for security lieforo disarmament. Tt has become known, however, that Count Bernstorff asked Herr .Jonkheer to include a general discussion in disarmament next week, and the Soviet delegation is almost certain to support the German request, but from a different motive their hope being to nirrke the meeting overlap the League Council, nnd afford M. Litvinoff an opportunity of meeting Sir' Austen Chamberlain. No one is deceived by the Soviet’s assumed interest in disarmament, which is merely intended to cover the usual gibes against the capitalistic states and yield propaganda if their own programme is turned down.

BISHOP SLATES INFIDELITY. LONDON, Nov. 18. gfc“lt is difficult to understand why the guilty person in a divorce action is not held to lie as great an offender against society as a card cheat,” declared -Bishop Welklon, preaching at Durham Cathedral, appealing for a higher standard of citizenship. “ Sometimes I wish that society would more forcibly express its indißnation against bail citizens, he added.