THE LEAGUE.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 December 1920, Page 5

THE LEAGUE.

RETICENCE OVER MANDATES.

AUSTRALIA OPPOSES THE OPEN

DOOR.

Py Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.

Received Dec. IT>, 8.45 p.m.

London, Deo. 14'. The Australian Press Association's Geneva correspondent says there is much reticence over the mandates, but understands that the difficulty existing over France's mandates has now been adjusted.

Mr Millen strenuously opposed Japan's insistence upon the open door in regard to the mandates, and adhering unflinchingly to her claim. This directly conflicted with the promise given at Paris. In this he had the support of the British delegation Mr. Millen evaded questioning on the amount of success attained. Nevertheless, he gave the impression that the situation favored Australia's aspirations. Mr. Millen has realised that more can be gained by negotiation than by dramatic speeches in the Assembly. Sir .Tas. Allen was less reserved. He expressed the opinion that the mandates would prove quite satisfactory, implying that Japan's objections had been overcome.

INDIA'S APPRECIATION. Prince Ranjitsinhji has written to Mr. Millen and the other overseas delegations highly appreciating the spirit of goodfellowship displayed towards India, and inviting overseas members to visit India, when he and other ruling princes will accord them a hearty welcome.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

JAPAN AND THE MANDATE.

WITHDRAWAL OF OPPOSITION.

Geneva, Dec. 14. The Geneva correspondent of the Australian Press Association says: "My inquiries iD Japanese circles lead to the belief that, without forgoing their claims to racial equality, the Japanese have withdrawn opposition to the issue of the mandates as previously drafted. The dominating factors in the withdrawal of the Japanese obstruction to the mandates will be found in the desire to secure the renewal of the AngloJapanese alliance on the most favorable terms, coupled with Wellington Koo's pronouncement over Chinese feeling in' regard to Shantung. The Japanese do not wish to have the latter subject discussed at the pres«nt assembly, thus attracting overmuch attention to her attitude towards China.

BURDEN OF ARMAMENTS. REPORT OF COMMISSION.

Geneva, Dec. 14. The Armaments Commission's report submitted in the registrar's most solemn way a belief in the vital necessity of reducing the burden of' armaments, although it recognises that a comprehensive scheme is impossible at once owing to the world's disturbed condition. 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; thirdly, by a scientific and' comprehensive redsciion under the League's supervision to the lowest point compatible with national security.

The commission recognises, however, that while great military Powers remain outsde the League's orbit hard and fast budgetary reduction is encompassed with difficulties and the full execution of the convention protocol in regard to traffic in arms is hindered by the absence of authority to control the export of arms from the United States, which prevents tho signatories inflicting severe losses on their manufacturing industries.

ARMAMENTS REPORT ADOPTED.

Received Dec. 15, 10.40 p.m.

Geneva, Dee. 14. In the Assembly, Mr. Barnes, discussing the reduction of armaments report, said he could have wished there had been a little less prudence and a little more pluck imported into it. He asked for a clearer cut declaration as to what reduction meant. After discussion, the report was adopted.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn.