SOVIET’S PRECEPTS AND ACTIONS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 150, 24 March 1928, Page 10

SOVIET’S PRECEPTS AND ACTIONS

LORD CUSHENDUN’S SCATHING DENUNCIATION M. LITVINOFF SHOWS HIS ANNOYANCE ATTACKS BRITISH POLICY. At the meeting’ of the Preparatory Disarmament Commission, M. Litvinoff showed his annoyance at Lord Cushendun’s criticism of the Soviet’s proposals by attacking British policy. He argued that the Soviet’s expressed wish to participate in the League’s efforts should be sufficient proof of its sincerity, and again asked for acceptance of the principle of total disarmament.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.— Copyright.

(Rec. March 23, 9 p.m.) Geneva, March 22. M. Litvinoff’s . annoyance at Lord Cushendun’s scathing denunciation of. the Soviet’s proposals was evident in the fact that he devoted the greater part of his reply to an attack on British policy. He said, with regard to Lord Cushendun’s demand whether the Soviet had changed the policy of interfering in the internal affairs of others, he would draw attention to the presence of British troops and fleets in Chinese cities and ports, also to recent notes to Persia. He countered Lord Cushendun’s question about fomenting civil war with the statement that he might refer to the existence in many countries of an organisation or bureau of Russian emigrants, who forge documents against the Soviets. One of these documents was known as the Zinovieff letter, already historic in England. He declared that the British and others had done nothing to settle the questions which rendered it impossible for the Commission to undertake the second reading of the Soviet’s project. This might well be described as sabotage. Nevertheless, the Soviet, though it had no intention of joining the League, was determined to take the most active part in the work of the Commission. When other nations failed in taking the initiative in disarmament the Soviet would take it ;' that is why they presented the project. It would be a blessing if the Commission would agree to the abolition of armaments. They should be willing to sacrifice the Articles of the Covenant standing in the wav. He reminded the Commission that the Soviets had never made war on anyone. It was a fact that the Soviet had no obligation under the Covenant, and their express wish to participate in the League’s efforts should be sufficient proof of their sincerity. He again asked for acceptance of the principle of total disarmament. If accepted, they could study it Article by Article. If rejected, he would not ask for further consideration. DESIRE OF THE LEAGUE TO END ALL WAR (Rec. March 23, 10.15 p.m.) Geneva, March 22. At the Preparatory Disarmament Conference, M. Clauzel (Prance) pointed out that the declarations of delegates left no doubt of,their attitude. Out of nineteen speakers only Count Bernstorf had supported the’ Soviet plan. M. Litvinoff apparently wanted martyrdom, but he should be satisfied with the number of darts he had received. What the League wanted was to end all war, civil and international. He concluded by seconding Lord Cushendun’s proposal that the Soviet plan be referred to the Governments. In the meantime a meeting will be convoked before the September Assembly for the purpose of the second reading of the Commission’s draft of disarmament project, in connection with which the Powers are now in agreement on disputed points.

Feeling in the lobbies is that M. Litvinoffs creation was another propaganda effort, the Soviet at present evidently being anxious to keep in touch with the rest of the world through the Disarmament and Economic Conferences.

' BRITAIN AND UNITED STATES NO THOUGHT OF AGGRESSION (Rec. March 23, 8.5 p.m.) London, March 22. In the House of Commons the First Lord of the Admiralty, Mr. Bridgeman, in reply to a question by Lord Hugh Cecil, said a recent letter in the Press referred to the Cabinet discussion on the Geneva Conference. This was unusual, and lie did not propose to violate the secrecy of Cabinet discussions. The British proposals were eventually rejected at Geneva, but not over the question of 8-incli guns, but the total tonnage. . . Lady Astor asked: Would it not be better to forget Geneva and look forward to the next conference ? Mr. Bridgeman agreed, believing as he did that Britain and the United States were not thinking for a moment of any kind of aggressive warfare. They might hope, if feelings were not aroused and mischief done between the two countries, that with the foundations laid at Geneva some satisfactory limitation might be agreed upon at no distant future.—A.P.A. and “Sun.” RUSSO-GERMAN RELATIONS FRANCE WARNED Paris, March 22. In an article on Russo-German relations, the “Gaulois” claims excellent authority for the statement that, in view of the possibility of Russia becoming bankrupt, Germany is already in touch with influential Russians capable of carrying out the reconstruction of the country. The “Gaulois” warns France not to be caught napping.—A.P.A. and "Sun.” CONSCRIPTION OF WEALTH IN EVENT OF WAR Ottawa, March 22. The Government is opposed to a resolution introduced by Mr. William Irvine, U.F.A., proposing the conscription of wealth in the event of Canada being at war. The resolution includes all natural resources, essential services, including transportation facilities and industrial plants, commercial and financial agencies. Colonel J. M. Ralston, Minister of Defence, declared that the passage of the resolution might indicate to the world that Canada was thinking of war .at a time when all endeavours werel toward peace. (Rec. March 23, 8.30 p.m.) Ottawa, March 22. The annual convention of the Manitoba Command of the Canadian Legion, held at Winnipeg, endorsed the resolution that property, as well as men, should be conscripted in time of war, and passed a recommendation that the resolution be submitted to the Convention of the British Empire Service League; held in Australia in 1930. A resolution on immigration urged that at least 70 per cent, of all immigrants be of British stock.—A.P.A. and “Sun.”