LEAGUE Or NATIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 September 1929, Page 5

LEAGUE Or NATIONS

TENTH SESSION OPENS. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). (Received this ffnv at 10.30. a.m.) GENEVA, Sept. 2. Air. MacDonald at Geneva denied Anglo-American naval conversations were aimed against any country. The League’s tenth session was formajlly opened by the President, who welcomed, the Persian, Mirza Mahommed Khan Farughi. GENEVA, September 2. Mr. MacDonald continued— It seemed a little uncertain whether after all he would be able to go to Washington in October, owing to the difficulties of the head of a Government without a majority leaving the Commons. In the provisional agreement which ,Mr Dawes and he hoped to fashion, not merely an Anglo-American naval agreement would be provided, but it would be dove-tailing, into a greater scheme of disarmament of sea and land 'forces throughout tlie world. . His closing reference was* the most important to the Dominions. He did not desire to anticipate his own speech in the Assembly, but Labour felt - that the British signature to the optional clause for arbitration in international questions was necessary if arbitration were to become a general habit among the people.' Air MacDonald did not mention reservations, which Australia and New Zealand were unitedly demanding. These were the subject of a private conference ' between Empire delegates this evening. A DELEGATE’S STATEMENT. (Received dnv at 11.25 a.m.) GENEVA, September 3. After Air MacDonald had met Dominion delegates this afternoon, Air Alan* made a statement. “The Primp Minister intimated that the British Government intended to sign the optional clause, during the. present session of Parliament. He had, been in communication with various Governments in other parts of the British Commonwealth, who expressed willingness to sign concurrently with Britain.” Mr Alarr said he could not bind the Commonwealth but had communicated the purport of. Air MacDonald’s speed;' to Australia and was awaiting instructions. There had . been no discussions of specific subjects of the reervntion but such a discussion was likely to be protracted. ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT. (Received thip dav at 12.25. p.m.l GENEVA. Sent. 2. The Assembly elected Salvader, delegate for Senor Quarrero as President of the present assembly.