EXTENT OF GENEVA SETBACK.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 19 March 1926, Page 9

EXTENT OF GENEVA SETBACK.

Fate of Locarno Treaty. STILL HACKS LEGAL FORCE. Jy Cable—Press Association —Copyright Australian end N.Z. Cable Association. (Received March IS, 8.20 p.m.) . LONDON, Ma-ch IS. The extent of the Geneva'setback to European settlement is already shown by the crop of new issues being raised in all The mo«t important concerns the fate of the Locarno Treaty itself. It is pointed out by responsible papers, such as the “Daily Telegraph,” which says the Treaty lacks legal force, so long as Germany is outside the League, which France appears to have overlooked in her eagerness to reconstitute the League Council. Other quarters suggest that the Locarno’ spirit having waned, it may he advisable to re-examine the guarantees offered Prance and Germany by Britain, which were not approved unanimously, but accepted hitherto because it was argued that possible dangers were rendered innocuous by the spirit of the Treaty if not the text’.' _ ■ Further' Trouble Ahead. - ,It is indicated also , that the pressure of the claimants will not cease with postponement, but is more likely to .increase. Certainly attention will most probably' be .given to the question of the Dominions’ seat. Finally there is The unsolved mystery of the obduracy of . Brazil, whose own chances of re-election are considered most remote. Italy’s Underhand Tactics. ; The “Daily Telegraph's” diplomatic correspondent confirms that Italy is openly accused of having encouraged Brazil, while the Berlin Nationalist newspapers,, without qualification, similarly indict Signor Mussolni. The “Daily Herald.’s” Geneva correspondent says that Signor Grandi, Signor Mussolini’s Under-secretary for Foreign Affairs, told the Italian pressmen that anything anti-Bra-zilian sent to Italy would be censored. Suspicions of Italy are so general that the Brazilian delegate was dubbed Mussojini-Franco. , French Aim Revealed. The Paris Press refuses to accept Sir Austen Chamberlain’s description of a “tragedy,’’ indeed' the more reactionary are inclined to be jubilant at Germany’s rebuff. The “Journal Des 1 Debats” says that Germany, if admitted, would have intrigued - against the Little Entente, so it is not -for us to reproach Brazil. 1 London Press Critical. The London Press generally reaffirms its faith in the League’s future, while strongly criticising the recent wranglings. The “Daily Telegraph” asks where will the authors of the Locarno settlement be half a year hence. Neither M. .Briand’s nor Dr. Luther’s Government can be confident of surviving so long. The “Morning Post” considers it is now made clear that the power of individual members of the Council to veto any proposal may be used to a .dangerous effect. " " The “Daily Chronicle’’ and the “Daily N.ews” bifime M. Briand and Sir Austen Chamberlain. “The Times,” declaring that the League knows now the restricted nature of its own powers, asks has any interested party been supporting Brazil? Does this strange obduracy imply some obscure movement of American protest against the attempts to subordinate the League to the immediate purpose of Europe. The “Daily Herald,” while affirming that Signor Mussolini hates the League,- and saw a chance and took it, blames Sir Austen Chamberlain for encouraging the intrigues prior to ?.he Assembly. The journal says: If he has not the decency to resign, he ought to be dismissed.

Effect On Finance. The “Financial Times” says that disappointment at the breakdown is reflected on the Stock Exchange. Brasilian stocks are displaying considerable weakness.. The “Financial News” remarks that there is nothing for the financiers to do until better counsels /prevail; they must, walk warily and hold tighter, the reins, of credit.

AUSTRALIA’S DEFINITE ATTITUDE. OPPOSED TO' ENLARGEMENT OF COUNCIL. By Cable —Press Association —Copyright Australian anti N.Z, Cable Association . (Received March 18, midnight.) STE J .BOURNE, March 18. in tlie House of Koirresentatives .Mr Bruce, commenting on Brazil’s attitude in holding up the admission of Germany to tlie League, said he thought it -deplorable that one nation should have been able to do so much to destroy tlie spirit which was shown at Locarno. slr Bruce added that the Commonwealth Government took the'view that nothing should have been done at the. special meeting of five League Assembly, which would in any way prevent Germany’s admission and the carrying out of the undertaking that she .should be given a permanent seat on the Council. He qoneludcd by saying that bis Government bad taken a very definite line, and had intimated its views ■to the British Government, that it was most undesirable there should be. any increase in the permanent membership of the-League Council beyond the admission of Germany.

NO HOPE FOR SUPER-STATE.

GENEVA FAILURE THROUGH BRITISH EYES.

By Cablfc—Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received. 5.5 p.m., March 18.) GENEVA, March 17. “,We have not yet reached the time when we can create a. super-State over the world,” wearily declared Sir Austin Chamberlain, at a reception to the journalists, obviously fatigued after a week’s work of sixteen hours daily. He said ho was convinced that any attempt to govern by a majority in the Council would break down. Finally, he acknowledged tho help thy Douiiinion representatives had given him. He said lie constantly called them together to place them in full possession of the facts. GERMANY’S APPLICATION. WITHDRAWAL NOT INTENDED. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. By ' Cable—Piesa Association—Copyright. (Received March 18, 5.5 p.m.) GENEVA, March 17. Before the German delegation left for home, the official spokesman announced that the delegation did not intend withdrawing Germany’s application for membership. BRAZIL’S STAND EXPLAINED. LOCARNO WEATHERS THE STORM By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. GENEVA, March 17. In the League Assembly M. Me|!efranco, reading a statement from the Brazilian Government, contended that South America should have more equitable representation on the Council. He much regretted-that Germany would not be admitted to tli© League at present, but declared that his instructions were irrevocable. British Viewpoint. Sir A. Chamberlain, after announcing his inability to propose Germany’s admission, said he was profoundly happy that all difficulties among the Locarno signatories had been removed. If they had been the only obstacle to Germany’s admission to membership of tho League and a permanent seat oil the Council, this pledge for stability and peace would have been realised, as they earnestly hoped it might have been. It was indeed a tragedy. Another difficulty had arisen but the Locarno signatories were determined that the good work of peace, reconciliation and co-operation shall not be interrupted. “T discharged my task. It is a bitter disappointment to me. What I have strived for and what seemed well within our grasp, must be postponed, but I am sure the Assembly will share my hope and confidence that the adjournment is only in order to make certain that Germany shall take her rightful place at the next meeting of the Assembly.” Sir A. Chamberlain paid an eloquent tribute to Sweden and Czecho-Slovakia tor their noble spirit of self-sacrifice and generosity in making possible the removal of the difficulties among the Locarno signatories.

French Tributes. M. Briand also paid tribute to Czecho-Slovakia. He was profoundly convinced that the remaining difficulties would be overcome, and 'that tlie League would emerge ’stronger than ever, though the present situation was a cruel* one. He deplored an event which undid the work of Locarno. The present difficulties must disappear; reorganisation was necessary, because it was humiliating that the League should be exposed to such events. He said France regretted more than anyone that Germany was not joining the League this session. Ho paid a tribute to the Germans facing the event without illhumour. He moved a motion regretting that present circumstances would prevent Germany’s entry and hoping the matter would be settled in September. Viscount Isliii, presiding, paid a warm tribute to the spirit of se.f-sncriiice shown by Sweden and Czecho-Slovakia. He proposed the appointment of a Special Committee to study the problems confronting the Council. The Assembly adopted M. Brinnd’s motion' after statements by the various delegates.

< Views of Small Nations. 51. Loudon (Holland) expressed dissatisfaction at the failure to admit Germany. He said the Assembly expected the League to be not again exposed to such an event. Dr Nansen (Norway) hoped Germany’s admission would be secured in September. Mr Chu (China) urged that economic potentialities and geographical position should be taken into consideration in deciding the composition of, the Council. The Roumanian delegate gave an assurance of- the co-operation or tlie Little Entente, in the interests of peace. 51. Zable (Denmark) emphasised that, the Assembly was not responsible for the present difficulties. The Albanian delegate caused a stir by pointing out that the Assembly' had been .summoned to admit Germany, and demanding a vote thereon immediately, but the president put M. Briand’s proposal. Germans as Listeners. Tlie German delegates listened by wireless at their hotel to the speeches. Assembly in Session. The Assembly was most impressed by the declarations of .Sir A. Chamberlain and 51. Briand, especially M. Briand’s warm expression of friendship for Germany. With the words “The League must now retrieve the 'lost position,” together with the expression of a hope that the work of the. League would not be arrested but would continue to progress for the benefit of humanity.” Viscount Jshii closed tlie momentous session. M. Mellefranco in the course of his opening statement said tlie work of Locarno must find a place within the framework of the League. It was not for tho League to find a place within i,ho framework of the political constitution of Locarno. He added that the Council cannot refuse to recognise the loyalty of Brazil or the high reasons inspiring Her conduct.