SIR ERIC DRUMMOND.

Evening Star, Issue 21012, 28 January 1932, Page 8

SIR ERIC DRUMMOND.

It was announced two days ago that Sir Eric Drummond intended to resign his position as General Secretary of the League of Nations at tho end of the year. Very naturally it was assumed that he would return to tho diplomatic service, for he graduated for his present post in the Foreign Office, and he is in his prime, with a unique experience of international relations. It has since been stated, however, a private meeting of the members of tho League Council was held to consider Sir Eric Drummond’s announcement, and the result was a determination to urge him to reconsider his decision. This is a remarkable tribute to his work as Sec-retary-General, which demands the broadest international outlook, firmness and decision of character, and immense tact, because of the diversity of interests. The League of Nations came into being when the Treaty of Peace with Germany was ratified in January of 1920. By the irony of fate its originator was' President Wilson, who failed to secure the support of his country to the proposal, and America still stands outside the fold. Sir Eric Drummond was appointed the first SecretaryGeneral, and amid all the storms and stresses of the intervening twelve years he has enjoyed the confidence of representatives of the many nations which are members. This may be gathered, not so much from any marked encomiums on his work as from the absence of complaints of the operations of the secretariat. Criticisms have been hurled at the League itself—mostly undeserved when the difficulties and complexities are considered —but it is generally recognised that the work at the head office has been conducted with efficiency and zeal. The main objective of the League is Jo maintain world peace. Many disputes between nations have been adjusted by its efforts, and arising from its establishment notable pacts and treaties having that end in view have been signed, and the various disarmament movements owe their developments to its initiation and support. In addition there are the technical organisations of the League in which aspects of economics, communications, finance, health, labour, and mandates are considered from the international standpoints, all aimed at improving the conditions of the people in every country in the world. The League may not have done as much as was expected and hoped from it, but few will deny the assertion that it is an agency which has accomplished /much good. Critics have denounced the League as a hotbed of international intrigue, which may contain a small amount of truth, but they have nothing to offer as a substitute as a guarantee against war. Sir Eric Drummond is merely the chief executive officer of the League, the policy of which is determined by the Assembly and the Council, but much rests in his hands. In the discussion of international problems the avoidance of friction is ail important, and Sir Eric Drummond by his urbanity and tact has steered the League through many dangerous currents. No man is indispensable, but it would be a very difficult task to select a successor so suitable for the post as this British diplomat.