THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1928, Page 3

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

TOTAL DISARMAMENT. I, ITV I.NO EE'S PLEA. Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) GENEVA, March 22. Litvinoff’s annoyance at Lord Cusliendun’s scutching denunciation of the Soviet's proposals was evident in tin fact that he devoted the greater part of liis reply to an attack on British policy, lie said with regard to Lord Cushenden’s demand as to whether wc had changed our policy of interfering in the internal affairs of others, lie would draw attention io the presence of British troops and fleets in Chinese cities and ports; also (lie recent noteto Persia, lie countered Lord Cushemlen’s question about fomenting civil war. '.utii tlit* statement that he might refer to the existence in many countries. of an. organisation of Russian emigrants., which forged documents against the Soviet. One of these was known as the Ziuovioff letter, already historic in England, lie declared that the British and others had done nothing io settle the questions which rendered it impossible for the commission to undertake the second reading of the Soviet’s project. This might wel' well he described as sabotage. Nevertheless, the Soviet, though it had no intention of joining the League, was determined to take a most active part in tlie work of the Commission. When other nations fail in tailing tin" initiative in disarmament, t.l Soviet would take ii. That is win 'My presented the project. It would he a blessing it the Commission would agree to lno abolition of armaments. They should lie willing to sacrifice the articles ol the Covenant standing in the way. He reminded the Commission that the Soviet had never made war on anyone. That was a fact. The Soviet tiad no obligation under the Covenant and her express wish to participate in the League’s efforts should be sufficient proof of their sincerity. He again asked acceptance of the principal ol total disarmament. If accepted they could study it article by article. li rejected, he would not ask for further consideration. Claiize! pointed out that the declarations of delegate.-, left no doubt of their attitude. Out of nineteen speakers, only Herr Bernstoff supported the Soviet plan. l.itvinoff apparently wanted martyrdom, hut he should be satisfied with the number of darts he received. Wliat the League wanted was to end all war. civil and international. He concluded hv seconding Lord Cuslienden’s proposal that the Soviet plans he referred to the Governments. i„ the meantime a meeting to he convoked before the September assembly for the purpose of a second reading of the Commission’s draft of the disarmament project in connection with which the Rowers are now m agree meat on the disputed points. Keeling in tlie lobbies-is that Livtinolf’s oration was another propaganda plVort, the Soviet at present evidently )icing anxious to keep m touch witl || u , rest of the world through disarmament and economic conierences. SPAIN TO RE-ENTER THE LEAGUE. .s LONDON, March 22. " .v British United Press message from Madrid states .that Cabinet has decided to accept the Invitation to re-enter the ; League of Nations.