RUSSIA AGGRIEVED

Evening Star, Issue 21824, 13 September 1934, Page 9

RUSSIA AGGRIEVED

FLAW IN LEAGUE’S INVITATION M. LITVINOFF'S OBJECTION Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. GENEVA, September 12. (Received September 13, at 10.10 a.m.) M. Litvinoff (Soviet Foreign Minister) objected to the modified text of the proposed invitation. The Soviet

does not want ,to be treated differently from Turkey and Mexico, wlio were invited unanimously. [The League Council, at a private meeting, unanimously agreed to the Soviet having a permanent seat on the Council, but Argentina and Portugal abstained from voting.] MR DE VALERA'S OBJECTIONS GENEVA, September 12. (Received September 13, at 11.50 a.m.) Mr Do Valera referred to intrigues and hotel conversations, and suggested that only the possessors of exceptional sources of information could keep abreast of the goings on. He admitted that private negotiations were necessary, though prolongation might defeat their project. The simplest way was to secure the Assembly’s vote, and if there was opposition, to refer the question to tlie appropriate committee. Ho objected to attempts to deprive delegates of their rights ' in the Assembly. COMMENT BY ’THE TIMES’ LONDON, September 12. (Received September 12, at 11.50 a.m.) ‘ The Tinics ’ says there is considerable sympathy with Mr Do Valera’s belief that the proceedings have developed into a situation hardly in keeping with the dignity of the League. The tortuous process in connection with Russia’s admission was not necessary for Mexico and Turkey, and has created a very had impression, weakening the League’s prestige. TERMS OF ENTRY DRAFTED (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 12. (Received September 13, at noon.) Further progress, was made at Geneva yesterday in the preliminary .negotiations for the entry of the Soviet Government into the League of Nations. The newspapers state that the terms of the letter to be sent to the Soviet Government have now been drafted, and the French delegation, which has undertaken the collection of the signatures to be attached to the letter is in a position to inform the Soviet, if it agrees, that its election by the necessary two-thirds majority of the Assembly, and the permanent Powers on the Council is assured. MR DE VALERA'S VIEWS GEN EVA, September 12. (Received September 13, at 11 a.m.) Mr De Valera caused a sensation in the Assembly on the vital question of Russia’s admission to the League, saying that it should bo discussed in public instead of in hotel bedrooms. He favoured entry in the ordinary manner, without special privileges. Russia should guarantee universal religious liberty. AUSTRIA'S INDEPENDENCE THE CHANCELLOR’S APPEAL. GENEVA, September 12. (Received September 13, at noon.) Dr Schuseluiigg vigorously appealed to the League and to Europe to ensure the rigid maintenance of Austria’s independence. Ho described Austria’s economic struggle, adding that if the right of her people to self-determina-tion had been respected everywhere “ Dr Dollfuss and not 1 would have been hero to-day.” He added that Dr Dollfuss was a victim of deliberate malice and senseless brutality in Austria. when ho was resisting terrorism and fighting for her own existence, her neighbours’ interests, and world peace.