THE LEAGUE.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19724, 14 September 1929, Page 17

THE LEAGUE.

BRITAIN'S RESPONSIBLE POSITION. PROFESSOR'S VIEW. (nnrr*» pbbss associatiox—bt ■usctwo TXUgO&AFB—COPYRIGHT.) (Received September 13th, 10.20 p.m.) GENEVA, September 13. Professor de Madariage, formerly head of the Disarmament Section of the League of Nations, and now professor of Spanish at Oxford, in a notable editorial in the "Journal de Geneve," which has an extraordinary influence in Europe, says: "What a wonderful spectacle it is to see Great Powers rushing to sign the Optional Clause. "Why has this Act, which was regarded as folly in 1924, become wisdom in 1929? Circumstances have certainly improved in the interval, thanks to Locarno, the Kellogg Pact, and The Hague Conference, but undoubtedly the real explanation must be attributed to the changed attitude of Great Britain. Her obstruction under the last Government was responsible for a period of stagnation. The new spirit brought by the Mac Donald Government explains the movement in which we are rejoicing to-day. This must make the British people understand their responsibility: If they stop, the League stops; if they advance, the League advances. "From this present Assembly shine out two great hopes, the conversations with the United States, and the real reduction of armaments. The League is delivering the goods. "Mr Mac Donald may find the best route to Washington is through Geneva," he states. "By her situation and contemporary history Britain is forced to be a leader of nations, and Is therefore the servant of the international community."—Australian Press Association.