THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1929, Page 5

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

M. BRIAND’S IDEA. BEFORE LEAGUE OF NATIONS. . •’ United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, September 9. The League of Nations’ delegates at Geneva are somewhat embarrassed by the iaea of the Federated States of Europe, which M. Briand (French Foreign Minister) is adumbrating. Practically all the delegates prefer to lie low uind say nothing. By the irony of history the plan for the United States of Europe which M. Briand is expected to disclose to the Conference delegates on Monday or Tuesday, is the one which was discovered in wartime among M. Caillaux’s secret papers in a burgled safe at Florence, and which led to the exPrime Minister (C. M. Caillaux) being charged with treason. 1 M. Briand, however, is most anxious that the idea should be discussed.

Though several of the Foreign Ministers at the present time are inclined to oppose the creation of. a definite provisional or temporary understanding governing tariffs. Rt. Hon. William Graham, the President of the British Board, of Trade, has strong ideas on this subject of tariffs. SIGNING OPTIONAL CLAUSE . GENEVA, Sept. 9. Signor Scialoja, on behalf of Italy, signed the optional clause. Bonus announced that Czecho-Slov-akia’had decided to sign. LEAGUE COUNCIL. GENEVA ELECTIONS. GENEVA, Sept. 9. Poland was re-elected and Jugoslavia and Peru were elected to the League Council. ; GENEVA, Sept. 9. Mr W. Graham, in.the afternoon, entirely changed the character of the general debate devoting himself to the economic instead of the political aspects of Europe. He emphasised that economic frictions were the most fruitful fielu ’in the production of disputes likely to lead to' war. The crux of Mr Graham’s recommendations was that a definite step should be taken at that Assembly to show they meant business' in "the direction of the reduction of tariff barriers. As a . first practical step Mr Graham suggested an immediate agreement that nobody would in anywise increase the existing tariff for .two years, during which time they should hold another world economic conference, to ascertain how. the tariff barrier could be definitely reduced. Mr Graham subsequently stated, in the event of a world movement for reduction he hoped the Dominions would come into line. He pointed out .iiey would be separate as negotiators.

M. Briand gave a luncheon to the he.ads of the European delegations. The united States of Europe Plan, about which it was decided to circularise the Governments to ascertain their view, is unfounded.