“A CLAP OF THUNDER”

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 71, 17 December 1928, Page 11

“A CLAP OF THUNDER”

GERMANY & THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS DR. STRESEMANN SPEAKS OUT RIGHTS OF MINORITIES MUST BE DEFENDED iljnited Press Association.-r By Electric) Telegraph.—Copyright.) lAustraliao I'reso Assn -Uruu-o Service.) (Rec. December 16, 5.5 p.m.) Lciuhn, December 15. During altercation with M. Zaleski at the League Council meeting at Lugaro, Dr. Stresemanu -made a remark which many journalists construe into a threat that Germany might leave the League. Dr. Stresemann later told a reporter that he had not been as definite as that, but he told the Council plainly that if the League did not defend the rights of minorities certain nations, including Germany, would consider whether it was to their interests to remain in the League. Herr Adatchi, a rapporteur, read a petition from tiie Deutsche Volksbuud complaining of the Polish authorities’ treatment of German school children, whereupon M. Galeski, Polish Foreign Minister, jumped up and retorted violently, attacking the German minorities. He declared that the Volksbuud was an organisation of spies whose interference frequently prevented a settlement. If permitted to continue its operations the Volksbuud would not only prevent a settlement,' but would become a menace to European peace. Dr. Stresemann listened, pale with anger and impatiently drumming tlio table. Immediately M. Galeski ceased he heatedly replied, shouting, at the top of bis voice and punctuating his remarks by thumping the table.- . He characterised M. Galeski’s speech as proof of the enmity of the minorities. It was scandalous that a member of tiie League Council, which was entrusted witli the protection of minorities, should speak, so .He denied M. Galeski’s allegations; and demanded that the whole question be reviewed next session.

The exact passage creating the impression that Germany intended to withdraw from the League arose during Dr. Stresemann's-reply to 51. Zaleski’s attack ou Germans in Upper Silesia. Dr. Streseinann’s reply was as follows: —“Do you want to undertake a polemic against Germany? Do you want by your speech to reopen old wounds? If the League, ceases to occupy itself with the rights of minorities it will lose one of’ the reasons for its existence. It will no longer represent so far as certain Slates are concerned the ideal which induced them to enter the League." M. Briand was good humoured when he left the lilial sitting. Jokingly he said: “There was a clap of thunder which disturbed the Council’s usual composure and hid tiie .sun for a moment. but the sun reappeared. Everybody is now calmer‘and more composed." • ’ M. Briand. hoping that the dispute would not inflame public opinion, promised a discussion at tiie next Council meeting. “A COLOURLESS DOCUMENT” EVACUATION OF RHINELAND (Australian Press Association.) (Rec. December 16, 11.5 p.m.) London, December 15. The promised communique regarding the Lugarno conversations from Sir Austin Chamberlain, M. Briand, and Dr. Streseniann. is completely colourless, merely expressing the determination to all possible to arrive as soon as can be at a final settlement of the difficulties arising from the war. The United Press correspondent at Lugarno says Germany has secured an assurance that the negotiations for the evacuation of the Rhineland will be resumed in January, when the reparations experts will begin their task. The "Oliserver’s” correspondent believes that the question of evacuation is in cold storage until the reparations experts report. BOLIVIA AND PARAGUAY LEAGUE TAKES ACTION ■ - » (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) (Rec. December 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, December 15. The League Council sitting at Lugano has decided to send a new Note to Bolivia and Paraguay, and to dispatch copies to all members of the League, reminding the Republics of their international obligations and appealing to them to exercise moderation. M. Briand will summon a special meeting of the Council if necessary.

The Council has risen, and Sir Austen Chamberlain has departed for London.