VOICE FROM THE EAST.

Auckland Star, Issue LVII, 1 March 1926, Page 7

VOICE FROM THE EAST.

POLAND'S ENTRY OPPOSED.

MAY SPLIT THE LEAGUE. IS LOCARNO FORGOTTEN? (Bj- Cable.—Press Association.—Copjr-snt.) (Received 11.30 a.m.> TOKYO, February 28. Japan's attitude to the question of the League Council's enlargement is still undecided. ■ The Press generally is silent, though | the "Jiji." which reflects the Moderates' j views, opposes France's proposal, as it | thinks the inclusion of Poland and other , countries would be likely to shake the world's confidence in the League. The same paper considers the French fears are groundless, as Belgium and ] Czeeho-Slovakia would help to adjust the j balance, whereas the inclusion of Poland I and others would be tantamount to the I establishment of an anti-German alii- i ance within the League., which would be against the Locarno spirit. — (Rcuter.) CHINA CLAIMS A SEAT. BUT SUPPORTS GERMANY. tlieeeived 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, February 28. Chao Hsing-chu, the Chinese Minister to London, in a speech at the Press Club prior to his departure for Geneva, said China's claim for a permanent seat on the League of Nations Council was justified by her vast territory, huge population and ancient civilisation. Nevertheless if the discussion at Geneva were confined to Germany's entry, said the Minister, China was willing to withdraw her own application until later.— ("Sun.") SPAIN DEFINES POSITION. WILL VOTE FOR GERMANY. I (Received 12.30 p.m.) I MADRID, February 28. i The Spanish Government denies the I reports that it may oppose Germany's entry to the League unless Spain is i placed on an equal footing. j The Government says Spain will un- : conditionally vote for Germany's adj mission.— (A. and N.Z.) • SPAIN'S UNOFFICAL VOICE. NATIONAL DIGNITY AT STAKE. (Received 2 p.m.) J MADRID, February 28. I Presiding at a meeting organised by the Spanish League of Nations Society. Count Romanones declared that Spain's i desire for a permanent seat on the Coun- ! cil was so profound tliat failure to I obtain it would raise the question ! whether her national dignity would ' allow Snain to continue to be a member of the League. — (Reuter.) i POLAND INSISTENT. I AND GERMANY RESENTFUL. LOXDON, February 28. A message from Warsaw states that on the occasion of the first reading of a bill to ratify the Treaty of Locarno j the Premier. Count Skxzynski, spoke. He ■ stated that, for Poland, a practical in--1 terpretation of the spirit of Article 4 . of the treaty must mean her admittance, simultaneously with that of Germany. to a permanent seat on the Council of the League of Nations. A dispatch from Berlin states that Count Skrzysld's announcement is sharply criticised in the newspapers. German political circles are of the opinion that the matter must now be settled at Geneva in March and that it cannot be allowed to rest until the September session of the League.

It is asserted in all quarters that the Chancellor, Dr. Luther, and the Foreign Minister, Herr Stresemann, will undoubtedly withdraw Germany's application for admittance to the League if the claims of Poland are admitted at the March meeting.— (A. and X.Z.-Reuter.) DOMINIONS' ATTITUDE. REPORT FROM GENEVA. LOXDOX, February 26. The ,r Morning Post's" Geneva correspondent learns that there is a prospect of at least three British Dominions being arrayed against Sir Austen Chamberlain should additional seats on the Council besides Germany's be suggested.

The same correspondent also hears that sentiment is rapidly crystallising among the British Commonwealth Group, which will certainly result in a concerted drive in September for the non-permanent seat which is rotated among the Dominions yearly.

It is pointed out in League circles that the Commonwealth Group pays approximately one-sixth of the League's expenses, while India pays practically the same as Italy and Japan, which Lave permanent councillors.— (A. and X.Z.) DEFTTOATION TO PREMIER. OPPOSITION TO INCREASE. LONDON, February 2C. There are signs that the Government is growing concerned about the feeling aroused by Sir Austen Chamberlain's attitude towards the permanent seats. ilr. Baldwin yesterday received a deputation from all parties in the Commons, which stressed the view that the present was a.n inopportune time to reconstruct the League Council. ■ The Premier did not commit himself, though it is understood he confessed himself impressed with the case as presented. The deputation is accordingly seeing Sir Austen Chamberlain on Monday or Tuesday, and is determined to extract a definite statement of his intentions when at Geneva. The question will certainly be raised I again in the Commons next week if I the Ministerial statements arc unsatisfactory, and the Opposition -will probably ask for a day to debate it before j Sir Austen Chamberlain departs. I Unofficial reports from Germany go iso far as to say that the German delej gates will go to Geneva only after j i receipt of assurances that Germany will enter the League as at present constituted. Viscount Grey, speaking at Newcastle, said the composition of the Council should be raised only after Germany has taken her seat, when she can become I a party to the discussion. —(A. and X.Z.)