AS A GREAT POWER

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVI, Issue 10670, 15 February 1926, Page 5

AS A GREAT POWER

RE2NSTATING GERMANY. THE POLICY OF BRITAIN. MEMBERSHIP OF THE LEAGUE. (Received This Day), 10.40 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 14. It is uncertain yet whether the question of admitting a permanent seat at Geneva to any power other than Germany can be considered on March 8. Opinion inclines to the view that only Germany's application can be considered, and that other cases must be considered at the regular assembly in the autumn. The "Observer's" diplomatic correspondent emphasises the gravity of the new issues. He says the British Government holds firmly that the extraordinary session of the assembly on March 8 is solely for the purpose of admitting Germany. Berlin messages indicate that Germany also holds this viewpoint. The correspondent argues that Germany must be admitted as a member of the League as it is at present constituted, so that she will be in a position, to- vote later regarding the. admission of other powers, if any. The f 'Observer's" correspondent continues: French diplomacy has sought to counter Germany's- entry by .packing the Council with new permanent members—Poland, Spain, and Brazil—but this is entirely a new issue. British policy will be determined by loyalty to the Locarno idea, and honest restoration to Germany of her" full status of aEuropean Great Power. The writerhints that a British statement may beexpected to make the position clear, if manoeuvres for simultaneous consideration of the cases of Germany, Spain, Poland, and Brazil are pressed imperatively.

In the meantime there is a significant report that Sir Eric Drummondf (Secretary-General to the League), is. going to Berlin to-day in order to euV ouss the position with Dr. StresemanE (German Foreign Minister).