THE LEAGUE.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 September 1922, Page 5

THE LEAGUE.

PREMIER TO ATTEND, THE NAURU WRANGLE. BECOMING A FARCEBy Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Sept. 15, 8.30 p.m. Geiftva, September 14. Mr. Lloyd George is arriving on Monday. It is anticipated the League sessions will terminate on the 27th. Various representatives on the Mandates Commission have been interviewed with reference to Mr. Hughes’s defence of the Nauru administration. They appreciate the strength of the case made out on behalf of Britain, the Commonwealth and New Zealand, and the importance of the facts brought forward; but ask: Why not have done this in the reports submitted to the commission? Sir Joseph Cook told the commission that if it wanted more information, by the expenditure of twopence on a stamp he would bring all the information wanted from Australia about the mandated territory.

THE FINANCIAL PROBLEM. WHAT NEW ZEALAND PAYS. Geneva, Sept. 13. The first year’s contributions to the League of Nations’ expenses were based on those of the Postal Union, but as that allocation put Australia, Britain. and France in the same category it was obviously inequitable. The second year’s basis was inadequate to meet the League’s financial obligations. The committee on the allocation of expenses has been struggling unsuccessfully ever since to find a basic principle upon which to fix the contributions. It has now adopted an arbitrary basis having due regard to each country’s resources and conditions.

Fifteen States have had their contributions increased, including Britain and Australia, the latter from £15,000 to £25 000. The minor States are not .affected, including New Zealand, which pays £lO.OOO. Canada £34,000, British Africa £15,000. Britain is the biggest contributor with £92,000. France, which was formerly in the same category as Britain, now pays £78.060 i having been allowed a reduction by reason of the devastation of her territory. Many others were allowed a similar reduction For instance Austria pays only £lOOO, and 12 other countries have practically defaulted, mostly the Balkan States. These recommendations are subject to approval by the Assembly.