LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 September 1921, Page 5

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY. INTERPRETATION OF A CLAIM. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received September 9, 5.5 p.m. Geneva, Sept. 9. The Amendments Commission adopted the jurist interpretation of clause 10, to the effect that it does not assure the perpetuity and integrity of territorial and political divisions, since military aggression might produce territorial changes, and it. does not impose on members of the League the obligation to furnish armed forces to guarantee menaced territorial integrity.

SECRET DELIBERATIONS. THE MANDATES. LORD R. CECIL’S VIEWS. Geneva, Sept. 8. Lord Robert Cecil, speaking on the Secretariat’s report on the League Council’s work, said he was satisfied with the way different questions had been dealt with, but criticised the secrecy of some of its deliberations. Publicity was the League’s, very life-blood, without which it could not survive. He hoped the Upper Silesian question would be settled in a manner, not only just, but such as would appeal to the whole world.

Referring to the mandates, Lord Robert Cecil said that if the question were at a standstill it would be the fault of the United States, who did not want the question dealt with in its abserfce, but at the same time refused the League’s invitation of March 26 and June 20.

He had just learned of the new proposal emanating from the United States, and, though he did not desire to criticise Washington, he regretted that the League’s good reputation would be diminished. He did not want the League to be accused of helping any Power in the annexation of mandatory districts. Speaking of disarmament, Lord Robert said it was high time the League acted, as armaments had increased since the war. He moved that the status of A and B mandates be definitely settled.