LEAGUE OF NATIONS UNION

Evening Star, Issue 22773, 7 October 1937, Page 15

LEAGUE OF NATIONS UNION

OTAGO COUNCIL The monthly meeting of the Otago Council of the League of Nations Onion was well attended to receive the report of the annual conference by the two delegates. Included in the list ot remits was one of interest, as it proposed that the annual gathering shou.d •bo in the form similar to a “ summer school.” Lectures, Specially by those who had studied with the League secretariat in Geneva, would provide a refresher course. Tho Otago Council gave its support to tho proposal. The conference received a deputation from the Dominion Youth Peace Council, a new development among the youth organisations. These bodies unite in support of world peace irrespective of their special programmes or of the various religious, social, or political aims. All unite for the single purpose of fellowship with youth of other nationalities in pursuit of world peace. The following resolution was passed; —“In view of the hostilities which have broken out between Japan and China without formal declaration of war, and tha/t such hostilities are taking shape as a major war with ruthfees blockade by Japan and the bombing of the civil populations, this branch of the League of Nations Union strongly urges League action as may be determined by the committee now inquiring into the dispute.” The basis of the League’s constitution as governing efforts to overcome aggression are laid down thus: — Article 10 of the Covenant binds members “to respect and preserve against external aggression the territorial integrity and existing political independence of all members of the League.” ~ Article 15 also provides that n dispute likely to lead to a rupture is to be submitted to the League Council. If unable to effect a settlement the Council is to publish a report of its conclusions and recommendations. Members of the League are bound not to go to war with a party that complies with the recommendations. Under Article 17 a member of the League that resorts to war in violation of its covenants is deemed to have committed an act of war against all other members, and becomes subject to economic and financial sanctions. Article 17 permits a non-member to submit itself to the jurisdiction of the League, in. case of a dispute, and it a State so invited shall refuse to accept the oblig atious . . • and shall resort to war against a member of the League, the provisions of Article 16 shall be applicable against the State taking such action.” - . This branch of the League, of Nations Union associates itself with the cabled decision of the British League of Nations Union in urging loyal support to whatever decisions of the League or Nations Council or Assembly may be arrived at in the present crisis of tho Far East.