LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Evening Star, Issue 19197, 13 March 1926, Page 3

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

NEGOTIATIONS PROCEEDING VIEWS AND COMMENTS Prs« Association —By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON. March 12. The efforts of the negotiators towards an agreement were yesterday directed into two distinct channels —first, persuading Brazil and Spain to withdraw their claims to admission simultaneously with Germany; and, secondly, persuading M. Unden (Sweden) to withdraw his threat to veto any enlargement of the Council except by the admission of Germany.

The situation this morning, after conferences lasting into the night, was that M. linden remained immovable, wliilc Spain showed signs of her willingness to withdraw at present if Germany’s claims only were presented. Senlior Mellofraneo lengthily conferred with Dr Luther, after which ho cabled to Rio do Janeiro asking for instructions, the nature of which have not been disclosed, hut may he conjectured. Poland is apparently reconciled on the course of events. Sir Austen Chamberlain late to-night admitted his anxiety, but denied that ho had earlier menaced M. Unden, who himself repudiated the reports. Several reliable correspondents, however, affirm that under M. Brand's influence Sir Austen Chamberlain renewed his efforts to secure an enlargement of the Council. It is even slated that ho demanded new permanent seats for the three Powers—Brazil, Spain, and Poland. The correspondents note that Sir Austen Chamberlain no longer smiles, He stares stonily through his monocle. M. Brand's ardor was quickly damped. Ho complained that he was pursued by some malignant sprite. The Germans arc calm, and even sympathise with Sir Austen Chamberlain and M. Briand in their troubles, lint they declare that they must go home on Monday if there is no settlement.

The other delegations, including the dominion representatives, are tiring of the delay, and everyone leels that tho matter must he brought to a head. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ diplomatic correspondent in this connection says; “ It is thought in League circles ip London that the unofficial Council meeting on M'odncsday was a mistake. Some of the delegates did not dare to speak publicly as they did secretly.” None of the London papers, prophesies the upshot, but the Australian Press Association holds fast, to the belief that there will he a_ settlement on the lines all along indicated. The ‘Daily Telegraph ’ , says that those whose business it is to make_ almost hourly appreciations of the_ situation are firmly of opinion that it will he found that only Germany will be admitted, that she will agree to tho appointment of a Commission to examine the whole situation, and that the other claimants will accept this as a temporary measure and tho only solution of the deadlock. . .

The Australian Press Association says that due regard is being _ paid to the threats of a political crisis in the iespectivo countries that have spoken oi withdrawing, but ip the light of all the circumstances it is thought that the conciliatory overtures now in procress will effectively overcome Ibese arguments. Only one other among the many possibilities need be mentioned--namely, the suggestion tlmtp the Assembly 'mav break up and Germany s admission he deferred till September. t)r Luther lias already intimated that if it Is intended to elect- others ho will have to return to Berlin to consult the Reichstag. . ‘ The Times,’ commenting on tun ]inccodings, savs it is not an agreeable reflection that if the British Government three weeks' ago had taken a firm stand on the question of Germany's admission solely this 1 innilinting ’spectacle of international discord m [edit bare been avoided .—A. end N.Z. Cable.

SIR A. CHAMBERLAIN'S DECLARATION. GENEVA, March 12. (Received March Li, at 1 a.m.) Sir Austen Chamberlain received the , British journalists, lie declared Hint there was no shadow ol inundation for the report that he had been pressing the .Swedish delegate, who was strenuously opposing the election of any new member to the (’mined except Germany, to change his attitude. Sir Austen Chamberlain said his one aim was to avoid the disaster which was threatening the League and Europe. It’is learned that yesterday's meeting of the Council caused the greatest anxiety. It is not believed that the entry of Germany was endangered, hut it is feared that such an entry, made in the circumstances, would Inistrnte conciliation efforts. —Router. M. BRIAN!) BUSY. GENEVA, March 1L M. Briand lost no time in taking op the threads of a delicate situation. It is suggested that ho is sounding the possibility whether, in the event of Roland postponing her claim to a seat, it will he possible to got unanimity for the election of Spain and Brazil. There is much speculation concerning the significance of a long conversation to-day” between Dr Luther and Scniior Mellofranco. A despatch from Berlin says Vorwaerts,’ commenting on Brazil’s threat, states: “The idea, that Locarno could he, shattered nfc the. last minute by a State (i.nnn kilometres from Europe is so absurd that common sense is unable to comprehend it.”—A. and N.Z. Cable. TRYING TO FIND A avay. LONDON, March 12. (Received March 13, at 10 a.m.) A communique from Geneva states that conversations between the signatories of the Locarno Pact, with the addition of Viscount (Veil and M. Boneour, continued ibis morning. Various suggestions were made lor a solution of the difficulty, and the meeting adjourned to afford time for reflection. The time of the next meeting was not fixed.—Reuter.