ARBITRATION.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18182, 19 September 1924, Page 9

ARBITRATION.

o ENFORCEMENT OF AWARDS DISCUSSIONS AT GENEVA. (BX CLBLZ—irftlSsS ASSOCIATION— COPYEIfIE'ri (HECTEIi'S TELEGEAHS.) LONDON, September 37. Discussions at Geneva respecting British obligations in tho enforcement of arbitral awards in international disputes are (given particular prominence Ly the French.' newspapers, most oi which confidently assume that Great Britain will undertako to co-operato hi imposing sanctions on any aggressor, not merely with the fleet, but with, the air forces.

Enquiries in London show that the question lias been discussed, but it is emphasised that no definite far-reaon-intr proposal, like that recorded in tho French Press, has been either advanced or accepted. It is always possible that th© League of Nations, in tho event of a dispute, might ask Great Britain to co-operate by means of her fleet in enforcing an economic blockade, but this is a different matter from rt-hat has been suggested sit Geneva. It is emphasised that the peace protocol mentioned yesterday, the terms of which unofficially leaked out, was only the first draft prepared by Dr. Bencs (Czechoslovakia), with the object of conciliating tho Bi"itish and French views relating to penalties to enforce decsions of the Council. Tho matter is still at the eaiiiest stage. There are points of difference still remaining to be settled. The British, for example, consider that the decision of the Council, dealing with infractions of the Covenant, should be unanimous. Tho French consider a majority vote sufficient. The British delegation emphasised that Great Britain is unlikely to accept engagements to place all her forces at tho disposal of tho League.

A JAPANESE SUGGESTION. (Sidney "Sun" Sebvice.) GENEVA, September 17. The Japanese dolegation has cabled to Tokyo foi* instructions as to Japan's attitude, following on Britain's naval proposals. The Japanese delegation has already suggested, unsuccessfully, that Britain, Japan, and Italy should submit a combined fleet to enforce the sanctions plan. DOMINION INTERESTS. (aiirrxa's telegrams.) (Received September 18th, 8.30 p.m.) GENEVA, September 17. With reference to the relation of the Dominions to the Navy question, tho Empire delegation is keeping the Dominion delegates posted, but they have not been in consultation 60 far. The Dominion representatives are awaiting the result of tho discussions on the question before cabling their Governments.