WORK OF LEAGUE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 11, 10 December 1926, Page 7

WORK OF LEAGUE.

AGENDA FOR ARMS CONFERENCE INTERNATIONAL WAR CHEST. MANDATE QUESTIONNAIRE. GENEVA Dec. 8. The League Council held a two hours’ public sitting, and adopted a resolution that member States may conclude security agreements whenever circumstances favour such. The Council also requested the Preparatory Commission to state definitely when a disarmament conference can be held, and to draw up the agenda. Sir Austen Chamberlain reiterated that Britain was sympathetic towards the conference, but considered that thorough preparation was necessary to avoid the possibility of failure. The Council referred the Finnish proposal for an international war chest, to be placed at the disposal of any nation threatened by war, to the Preparatory Commission. The Council adopted a resolution requesting the States to consider measures to facilitate communication by rail, air, telegraph, and wireless in case of emergency, and to draw up lists of experts from whom commissioners can be chosen promptly and sent to the spot in the event of disputes. At a private session, the Council decided to hold an Economic Conference at Geneva on May 4. Colonel Theunis was chosen president. There have been no developments regarding military control in Germany. It is stated in German circles here that a draft arbitration treaty between Germany and Italy, already drawn up, contains no secret clauses, but follows the same lines as the German treaties already negotiated. It will bo duly registered with the League. Sir Eric Drummond, Secretary-Gen-eral, has communicated to members of the League Council and the Mandates Commission the repiles of the Japanese, Belgian and Australian Governments with regard to the commission’s famous questionnaire. The Australian Government’s reply says, substantially, that if petitioners are given the right of appearing personally, a representative of the mandatory Power must be given a similar right. The Commonwealth Government thinks that the existing practice should not bo altered with regard to the questionnaire. Neither the Council nor any League organisation is competent to interfere in the actual administration, and the Commonwealth Government is unable to see in many cases how much information is likely to assist the commission in the exercise of its duties, and is consequently of opinion that it would be unwise to adopt the questionnaire in its present form.—A. and N.Z. cable.

SUPPLY OF MUNITIONS. ITALIAN PAPER’S ALLEGATION. ROME, Dec. 8. The Giornale d’ltalia, alleging that France is supplying Jugo-Slavia with munitions, asserts that the League ought to concern itself with the understandings reached between Paris and Belgrade rather than with the peaceable agreement between Italy and Albania.—A. and N.Z. cable.