THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1928, Page 3

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

GENEVA QUESTIONS. Australian Press Assn.—United Service \ (Received this day at 11.0 a.m.) GENEVA, September 12. Tlie draft report of the Economic Committee discloses sixteen , States signed the agreement abolishing export duties on*hides and skins and restricting level duties on bones. This is the first collective tariff agreement and was concluded through tlie Committee’s efforts. The Committee is next investigating coal and sugar and subsequently aluminium, timber pulp for paper, rice, cement, fresli fruits, and vegetables. The Social Questions Committee unanimously decided to direct. the attention of governments ' to, the great importance of the employment of women police for preventive measures. Before the Third Commission on Disarmament, Count Bcrnstorff reiterated Heir Mueller’s request for the earliest summoning of a. full disarmament conference. . M.. Uoncoiir urged the fixing of a definite date for the Preparatory Commission at the earliest. Lord Cusliendun outspokenly depreciated undue haste, especially as he had not the necessary information enabling him to decide an opportune date. He urged a decision should be left to tlie chairman’s discretion. Marquis Sato gave figures showing .Japan’s „ post-war armament reductions. On her own initiative she reduced the army by one third. Japan, lie said, sincerely desired an equitable reduction of armaments, but that could not be attempted with a magic wand, but gradually and progressively. He supported the Norwegian delegates suggestion that a standing committee should study the armaments of all countries.

LORD CUSHENDUN EXPLAINS. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Sept. 12. Speaking before tbe Disarmament Committee at the League of Nations this afternoon, Lord Cusbendim, the British representative, referred to the Anglo-French naval compromise. He declared he could not really undeistand why it had created such a stir m the world, .as it was a decided step forward. . “We have been accused,” continued l.ovd CusheiiduiijV'of having signed a secret treaty; of having sinister motives. How can that be? All that was done was to help the Preparatory Committee. We are now ready to su imit to our colleagues a dealt which may help them in their work.”