THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3653, 15 December 1920, Page 5

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

JAPAN AND RACIAL EQUALITY. NO OPPOSITION TO MANDATE. Received 10 a.m. Dec. 14. The Australian Press Association’s correspondent says: “My enquiries in Japanese circles lead to the belief that, without foregoing then- claims to racial equality, the Japanese have withdrawn, their opposition to the issue of the mandates as previously drafted. The dominating factors in the withdrawal of Japanese obstruction to the mandates will be found in their desire to secure a renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance on the most favourable terms. Coupled with Wellington Koo’s pronouncement over the Chinese feeling in regard to Shantung the Japanese do not wish to have the latter subject discussed at the present Assembly, thus attracting over-much attention to Japan/s attitude towards China. , .

THE ARMAMENTS COMMISSION. Received 10.20 a.m. GENEVA, Dec. 14. The Armaments Commission’s report was submitted in the Registrar’s most solemn, way. It expressed a belief in. the vitgl necessity of reducing the burden of armaments, although it recognises that a comprehensive scheme is impossible at once, owing to the world’s disturbed contrition. Progress must be effected in successive stages: Firstly, by a general agreement not to exceed the present scale of armaments; secondly, by a proportionate and simultaneous reduction of existing military budgets; and thirdly, by a scientific and comprehensive reduction under the League’s supervision to the lowest point compatible with national security. The Commission however, that while great military Powers remain outside the League’s orbit, a hard and last Budget reduction is encompassed with difficulties. The full execution of the Convention’s protocol in regard to the traffic in arms is hindered by the absence of an authority to control the export of arms from the United which prevents the signatories inflicting severe losses on their own manufacturing industries. Received 11.10 a.m.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14. Mr Daniels testifying before ; the Senate Naval. Affairs Committee, declared that for the United States to agree with two or three other nations to cease naval construction would be a blunder worse than a crime. In strongly recommending the prompt completion of his naval programme Mr Daniels said that President Harding shared similar adding: “I am a pacifist, and make these recommendations' regretfully; but until a world agreement regarding disarmament comes, and has been operated long enough to assure its establlishment, we will continue building. A canvass of the House of R-vpie-sentatives Naval Committee showed that Mr Daniel’s request to Opngvess to authorise another three years’ naval building programme, if the United States does not enter the League of Nations, will be refused. «