THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 March 1928, Page 2

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

SCENES AT GENEVA. OVER SMUGGLED GUNS. > .Australian & N./-. Cable Association.) ( GENEVA, March 8. The guns’ decision was followed by a tense scene in which General Anc- <■ zos and Mr Titulescu appeared to be t losing control of themselves, when Sir .1 Austen Chamberlain intervened, and ' asked: “What lias become of tile birth i certificates,’’ —meaning the waybills of 1 the machine guns. Secondly, Hungary became so excited at the pros- I poet of the. League holding an inquiry, i “The waybills!” exclaimed General Tanczos. “Here they are—five ot 1 them.” Continuing, lie declared that 1 Hungary was not excited. They knew that The guns from Italy were on route to Poland, and there had not been an application for a transit license. M. Briand asked why Hungary destroyed the machine guns, when the question was before the League. Tanczos replied: 'I hey acted merely in conformity with the International Railway Convention, for destruction of smuggled goods. SERIES OF INFORMAL MEETINGS. GENEVA, March 7. The session has already become remarkable for the number of informal meetings of groups of states. Such meetings between foreign ministers were formerly regarded with suspicion ami evoked protests, but there has lieen a change since the last assembly, when Sir Austen Chamberlain emphasised their value, urging that they, in no way encroached upon tlio formal discussions of the Council, and Assembly. No fewer than nine such meetings were held yesterday between repiesentntives of two, three or even a larger number of states. Some were, very fruitful and culminated in a private conference between Sir Austin Chamberlain. M. Briand, Herr Stress--111:11111 M. Seinloja and M. Adoclii, when they discussed the Saint Gotliard machine guns. The big five were unanimously of the opinion that too nmeli should not lx? made of the affair though it could not be ignored. Therefore, to-day. after a statement from both sides, it will be proposed to appoint a committee of three disinterested delegates to investigate and draw up a report. It is believed that the Little Entente will be placated by tho facts being recorded is the League proceedings, as a warning against repetitious of dealings in contraband arms. Bloklund will offer bis good offices to facilitate a .settlement in the l’oloLithnania dispute. It is declared that the big five have not yet discussed M. Kellogg’s outlawry note. Herr Strcssema.n and M. Briand discussed the Rhineland question, blit agreed to postpone it. until after the French and German elections. The Council discussed the New Longue palace, but nothing was heard of tho proposal to )?recvt Jit elsewhere, than at Geneva. It is reported that ' the original estimate is insufficient, • even with the gifts which are liuincr- ‘ ( ,us and valuable. It is believed that ' the building for the Secretariat and ? Assemblies will cost probably £1,200.- : 000. Mr Drummond will not. sign any ' contract until all the questions for the design of the facade are settled.