LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 September 1922, Page 5

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

AUTHORITIES IN QUANDARY. FINANCIAL POSITION ACUTE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Geneva, Sept. 3. The Archbishop of Canterbury delivered to the League of Nations as inaugural sermon in the Cathedral of St. Pierre. Lord Balfour read the lessons and many delegates were present. Archbishop Davidson said he believed the league might go far to make the Kingdom of God a reality in our life and time, but it was vain to talk of the righteousness of God while the monstrous arbitrament of war was impending. The foremost thinkers, statesmen and rulers of Christendom had thrown their strength into devising plans to make war impossible; meantime they might surely say militarism had fashioned its coffin, and they were there to I clinch the nails. Some nations were not ; paying contributions, others were payi ing on a reduced scale proposed last year, but still not validated. The league authorities were in a serious quandary and were disinclined to insist on a ; higher scale. They could not enforce payments even in the case of defaulters. Some of the smaller nations had suspended their contributions, pleading national poverty. The league shrink from their expulsion, fearing a break in the league. Nevertheless, unless the finances were strengthened or the expenditure curi tailed, some foresee gradual disintegra- ! tion.

Sir James Allen (New Zealand), the sple British member of the finance committee. has been attending the committee for several days. He admits that the finances require very grave consideration.

London, Sept. 3. The Australian Press is informed that a very crave question facing the League of Nations in the incoming year is finance, because the resources are shrinking, while the activities are expanding.