LEAGUE DECISION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 December 1939, Page 7

LEAGUE DECISION

EXPECTED TOMORROW EXPULSION OF RUSSIA UNLIKELY. STATEMENT BY MR BUTLER. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON. December 11. The Geneva correspondent of “The Times” says that a decision in the Russian-Finnish dispute is expected on Wednesday. It is doubtful whether the necessary unanimity can be achieved for the expulsion of Russia, he states. Britain and France would support expulsion if the sentiment were overwhelmingly in favour of such a step, but they realise that the consequences of expulsion would directly affect several States which are members. The Geneva correspondent of the British United Press reports that the Foreign Under-Secretary, Mr R. A. Butler, in an interview, said it would be hardly possible to expel Russia owing to technical difficulties. China has informed Britain and France that she will abstain from voting in the dispute. This eliminates the possibility of unanimity if China is reelected to the Council. The Scandinavian delegates are campaigning for a resolution asking all member States to send arms to Finland.

The “New York Times” correspondent at Geneva says it seems that the views of the Soviet's neighbours, China, Turkey, Rumania, and Scandinavia, have moderated the opinions of other States regarding the advisability of the League expelling Russia. It is now being asked: What good would expulsion do Finland? Would not the situation be adequately met if a strong motion of condemnation is voted, leaving the States to help Finland individually according to their own interests and desires? South American countries, New Zealand, and some others, are standing firm, insisting on Russia's exclusion on moral grounds, but it is doubtful whether they will find a majority in the Assembly. Everybody is agreed, however, that should they collectively condemn the Soviet it should be in such terms that M Stalin would have no alternative but to give two years' notice of Russia’s resignation from the League. A message from Buenos Aires says that the Foreign Minister. Senor Jose Cantilo. announced today that Argent tina is prepared to withdraw from the League in the event of the League failing to apply sanctions against. Russia.

Uruguay has sent a Note to all the American States which are members of the League suggesting that, unless an immediate agreement is reached in the Finnish-Russian dispute, sanctions should be applied against Russia a radio message states. Other Latin American States have expressed their disapproval. Regarding the proposal that Russia should be expelled from the League it is pointed out that expulsion can only be carried by unanimous vote and that, as several States are unlikely to attend the meeting because of their proximity to Russia, this is unlikely.