EUROPE’S PROBLEMS

Evening Star, Issue 19186, 1 March 1926, Page 5

EUROPE’S PROBLEMS

BRITAIN AMD THE LEAGUE

SIR A. CHAMBERLAIN’S POSITION

l*»M3 Association—By Telegraph—Copyright

LONDON, February 27. There are signs that the Government is growing concerned over the feeling aroused by Sir Austen Chamberlain s attitude towards permanent seats on the League Council. Mr Baldwin yesterday received a deputation from all parties in the House pf Commons which 'stressed the view that the present was an opportune time to reconstruct the League Council, but the Prime Minister did not commit himself, though it is understood he was impressed with the case as presented by the deputation, and will accordingly see Sir Austen Chamberlain on Monday or Tuesday for the purpose of extracting a definite statement of his intentions when at Geneva. The question will certainly bo raised again in the House of Commons next week. If the Ministerial statements aro unsatisfactory the Opposition will probably ask for a day’s debate before Sir Austen Ohamborlan departs.

Unofficial reports from Germany go so far as to say that the German delegates will go to Geneva only after assurances that Germany shall enter the League as it is at present constituted. Viscount Grey, at Newcastle, said that the question of the composition of tho Council should be raised only after Germany had taken her seat, when she would become a party to the discussion. . .

' The ‘ Morning Post’s ’ Geneva correspondent states: “There is a prospect that at least throe _ British dominions will be arrayed against Sir Austen Chamberlain should additional seats besides Germany’s be suggested. A sentiment is also rapidly crystallising among the British Commonwealth group which will certainly result in a concerted drive in September for a non-pennaneut seat tp bo rotated among the dominions each year. It is pointed out in League circles that the Commonwealth group pays approximately one-sixth .or the League’s expenses, while India pays practically the same as Italy and Japan which have permanent members on the Council.'’ —A. and N.Z. Cable. (Received March 1, at 1 a.m.) Reynolds’s Newspaper understands that Sir Austen Chamberlain is seriously considering his resignation. The ! Sunday Times’ says: “There is authority for stating that Sir Austen Chamberlain considers that his speech at Birmingham was grossly misrepresented. His purpose was merely to indicate that the British Government appreciated all tho aspects of tho question. His purpose whs not to convey any personal opinion of the Government’s policy.”—-A. and N.Z. Cable. BRITISH PRESS COMMENT. LONDON. February 27. ‘The Times’ says: “It is not going too far to say that tho country is definitely shocked at the unexpected proposal to reduce to terms of ordinary diplomatic bargaining an occasion that ought to have been an undarkened symbol of European reconciliation. There is only one clear way—namely, after admitting Germany, to postpone the whole question of tho enlargement of the Council until September.” The ‘ Daily Herald ’ ( Labor) says : “It is clear that the overwhelming opinion of the country, even of the ToryParty, is opposed to granting a seat to Poland as well as to Germany, yet it seems clear also that Sir Austen Chamberlain, in private conversations with foreign diplomats, has given an assurance which has compromised himself and his colleagues. Once again secret irresponsible diplomacy has involved us in obligations of which even the Ministers knew nothing until it was too late.”—A. and N.Z. Cable. POLISH PRIME MINISTER’S VIEW GERMANY RESENTFUL. WARSAW, February 27. On the occasion of the first reading of the Bill ratifying the Locarno Pact the Prime Minister, Count Skrzynski, in a speech declared that for Poland a practical interpretation of the spirit of Article IV of tho Pact meant her admission simultaneously' with Germany to a permanent seat on tho Council o) the League. A message from Berlin states that Count Skrzynski’s announcement is sharply criticised in the German newspapers. Political circles are of opinion that the matter must now he settled ah Geneva in March, as it cannot be allowed to rest until the September session of the League. It is asserted in all quarters that Dr Luther and Dr Strcsemann will- undoubtedly withdraw Germany’s application for admission to the League if the Polish claim is admitted at the March meeting.—Reuter. M. BRIAND’S APPEAL. EARLS, February 27. Cheers from every' part of the Chamber greeted M. Briand's impassioned speech yesterday appealing for tho ratification of the Locarno Treaty. He expressed confidence that peace efforts would he successful in nil countries. The little Locarno seed was already beginning to germinate. If it were to bo crushed he hoped it would not be by a French foot. Mothers could now look at their children with the hope that they would got be tho victims of war. Locarno would have effected much if it achieved that. France and Germany had both proved their heroism. Both had established magnificent centres ot production. Was that all to be given over to fire and sword every twentyfive years? His thunderous “No" elicited cheers from the entire House, which then adjourned.—Reuter. THE VOICE OF CHINA. LONDON, February 28. (Received March 1, at 9.15 a.m.) Chao Hsing-chu, Chinese Minister at London, in a speech at tho Press Club, prior to his departure for Geneva, said that 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, China was willing to withdraw her application until later.—Sydney ‘ Sun ’ SPAIN’S ATTITUDE. MADRID, February 28. (Received March 1, at 9.45 a.m.)

Tho Government denies the reports that it may oppose Germany’s entry to tho League unless Spain is placed on an equal footing. It says that Spain will unconditionally vote for Germany’s admission.—Sydney ‘ Sun ’ Cable. JAPANESE VIEWS. TOKIO, February 28. (Received March 1, at 9.15 a.rn.) Japan’s attitude to tho question of the League Council’s enlargement is still undecided. Tho Press is silent, .though ‘ Jiji ’ reflects moderate views, And 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. It considers that the French fears are groundless, as Belgium and Czecho-Slovakia help to adjust the bal- • ance, whereas tho inclusion of Poland and others would be tantamount to the establishment of an anti-German alliance within the League, which is against the Locarno spirit.—Reuter.