LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 4028, 26 May 1931, Page 27

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

COUNCIL IN SESSION. THE CUSTOMS UNION. GENEVA, May 18. In moving that the protocol for the establishment of an Austro-German Customs Union be referred to the Permanent Court of International Justice for an advisory opinion with the request that it treat the matter urgently, Mr Henderson pointed out that the aspect of the case with which the League Council was concerned was essentially judicial, therefore it was desirable to obtain an opinion whether a regime established between Austro-Germany on the basis of the protocol was compatible with article 88 of the Treaty of St. Germain and article 1 of the Geneva Protocol signed on October I, 1922. May 19. “If The Hague Court legalises the Austro-German Customs Union it would be inconceivable that it would bring Germany before the League as a disturber of Europe’s peace,” declared Dr Curtins, in replying to M. Briand’s suggestion that no matter what The Hague verdict is the political aspect of the Union should be considered by the League Council. The council this morning unanimously agreed to Mr Henderson's motion.

THE ZOLLVEREIN. ' RUGBY, May 19. After further discussion at the meeting of the League of Nations Council, in which Mr Benes (Czechoslovakia) and M. Marinkovitch (Yugoslavia) took part, the motion by Mr Henderson to refer the Austro-German Customs Union question to the International Court at The Hague was unanimously passed. Dr Curtins also spoke and joined issue with M. Marinkovitch on whether the non-juridical aspects of the question should later come before the council. He declared that Germany had no intention of pursuing a policy as a great Power detrimental to lesser Powers. FORTHCOMING DISARMAMENT CONFERENCE. RUGBY, May 19. The Council of the League of Nations to-night, by a unanimous vote, appointed the British Foreign Secretary (Mr A. Henderson) president of the Disarmament Conference, which will open next February. Mr Henderson agreed to accept nomination provided the British Cabinet approved. CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT GENEVA. GENEVA, May 20. The League Council unanimously selected Geneva as the venue for the Disarmament Conference, Spain withdrawing her proposal in favour of Barcelona. AUSTRIAN CABINET TO RESIGN. VIENNA, May 21. Cabinet has decided to resign, but, in response to the request of Dr Schober, has postponed the announcement for some days. The real cause of the crisis was Dr Schober’s acceptance of Mr Henderson’s proposal to refer the Austro-German Customs union to the Hague Tribunal, over which the Czechoslovakian press is rejoicing. Meanwhile the economic position is growing worse. The note circulation has increased by 16 per cent. Everyone is expecting the Powers again to come to Austria’s assistance. FRANCE AND RUSSIA.

LONDON, May 21. The Daily Herald’s Paris correspondent notes signs of change in the French policy towards Russia. He mentions rumours of credits on a large scale and a trade agreement. INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES. GENEVA, May 21. Mr Henderson, on behalf of Britain, Canada, and New Zealand, deposited ratifications of the General Act of arbitration. M. Briand acted similarly on behalf of France, and Signor Grandi intimated that Italy would follow later. Great applause greeted Kfr MacDonald’s telegram approving Mr Henderson's chairmanship of the Disarmament Conference. EUROPEAN UNION. GENEVA, May 21. The European Union Commission has appointed three sub committees to evolve proposals for preferential tariffs for agricultural states; secondly, to examine means of forming international cartels; thirdly, to organise new sources of credit. RATIFICATION OF GENERAL ACT. GENEVA, May 21. Mr Henderson has deposited Australia’s ratification of the General Act of Arbitration.