Nations Get Together

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 298, 8 March 1928, Page 11

Nations Get Together

PRIVATE CONFERENCES AT GENEVA

Sifting Machine-Gun Mystery By Cable.—Press Association. — Copyright. Received 9.5 a.m. GENEVA, Wednesday. THE present session of the Council of the League of Xaiioiilias already become remarkable for the number of informal meetings between groups of representai ives o: various States. Meetings of this kind between Foreign Ministers were formerly regarded with suspicion and evoked protests. However, a ehange has set in since the last Assembly, when Sir Austen Chamberlain emphasised the value of these meetings, urging that in no way did they encroach upon the formal discussions of the Council or the Assembly.

VINE meetings were held yesterday "*■ between representatives of two. three, and even a larger number of States. Some were most fruitful. They culminated in a private conference between Sir Austen Chamberlain (Britain), M. Briand (France), Herr Stresemann (Germany). Signor Scialoja (Italy), and Mr. Adachi (Japan). They discussed the question of the mysterious machine-guns found at St. Gothard, of which nobody would claim the ownership. The “Big Five” were unanimously of the opinion that too much should not be made of the affair, though it could not be ignored. After statements by the Little Entente delegates, the council accepted Sir Austen Chamberlain’s proposal that the documents should be submitted to General Tanezos. the Hungarian delegate, and should be examined by a committee consisting of Dutch, Chilian and Finnish delegates, who would be empowered to call experts.

The Soviet representative, M. Litvlnofl, telegraphed from Moscow to the League saying that on account of

Turkey’s importance in international politics and as to her geographical situation, the Soviet delegates considered that the Preparatory Disarmament Conference would gain in importance if Turkey were included. He suggested that Turkey should be invited to send a representative to the next session of the conference. M. Litvinoff is due to arrive at Geneva on Tuesday to attend the disarmament Commission. It is understood that M. Valdemarus informed the League that his own presence was superfluous in connection with the mediation between Poland and Lithuania, as he had already laid down Lithuania’s viewpoint to Poland. It Is stated that the “Big Five" have not yet discussed the Note from Mr. F. B. Kellogg, United States Secretary of State, on the outlawry of war. Herr Stresemann and M. Briand have discussed the Rhineland question, but have agreed to postpone i: until after the French and German elections. The Council discussed the new palace for the League. Nothing was heard of the proposal to erect it elsewhere than at Geneva. It is reported that the original sum estimated will not be sufficient even with gifts, which are numerous and valuable. It is believed that the buildings for the secretariat and the Assemblies will c ost probably £1,200,000. The Secretary - General, Sir Eric Drummond, will not sign any contract until all question - as to the design of the facade have been settled. —A. and N.Z.-Sun.