THE LEAGUE.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 November 1920, Page 5

THE LEAGUE.

QUESTION OF ADMISSfONS. JSSCUSSION ON- MANDATES. By Telegraph.—Prea» Asan.—Copyright. London, Nov. 22. A feature of the sitting of the Fifth Commission at Geneva was the support accorded by Ranjitsinhji to Mr. Millen'g view that all admissions of sew States should be inspired by the sentiment of justice. Ranjitsiiihji emphasised Mi'. Millen'a remarks, declaring that they should be just to their friends first before displaying generosity to their enemies. The Commission appointed two jurists to draft a report on the legal points concerning admissions, also subcommittees to examine claims for admission. The Assembly discussed the position of Armenia. Mr. Balfour outlined tlse practical difficulties in thetragic situation. Good intentions were perfectly useless unless means could be found to cany them out. One of the most serious difficulties was that the covenant was not considered to deal with a situation like j that of Armenia, but with organised civilised States with clearly marked frontiers. Armenia did not possess j these. They were not dealing with I civilised States or people whom public opinion could affect. Kemal Pasha was absolutely indifferent to the world's opinion, and the League had no power unless some nation was prepared to accept a mandatory. If America wag willing, she had the public spirit and the money to carry out the task; if not. the League must look elsewhere. No mandatory was likely to find men unless other States guaranteed assistance. The Matin says that the League of Nations adopted M. Viviani's motion not to consider the admission of Germany and Russia until they had satisfied international obligations. M. Viviani said he was disappointed at Mr. Balfour's discouraging speech. If they failed to find a mandatory they would incur the ridicule of the world. The League had the whole of the responsibility without possessing the power. When France suggested an international army it was rejected; if it had been accepted the position would have been different to-day. M. Viviani' suggested that the League should instruct, the Council to find a Power who, without taking the man\te, would intervene. There should be negotiation in the conflict between the Armenians and the Kemalists. ' The Council should telegraph forthwith to every nation, asking whether it would undertake intervention. If all refused then the League would be able to realise its inability to do anything without an international force.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. DEALING WITH KEMAL. London, Nov. 22. Mr. Balfour said he failed to realise how they could' intervene. He asked: "What could we offer Kemal Pasha to remember that the Allied Powers were still dealing with the settlements under the Turkish treaty." He asked the French to define what they meant by negotiation. M. Viviani replied: "Perhaps mediation would he a better word than intervention. The nation undertaking the task could apply to the Powers to ascertain how far it could go. We must first know whether Kemal is amenable to negotiation. We could only try; otherwise we might continue this theoretical debate and admit our inability to help suffering humanity." He insisted that something must be done. ! Lord Robert. Cecil said •he believe'd that if negotiation failed force sauld be secured to save the Armenians. M. Viviani's suggestion was adopted.