LEAGUE AND THE FAR EAST

Evening Star, Issue 22773, 7 October 1937, Page 11

LEAGUE AND THE FAR EAST

MORAL SUPPORT FDR CHINA RECOMMENDED DELEGATES TO CONSULT GOVERNMENTS Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright GENEVA, October 5. While the sub-committee was considering the Drafting Committee’s report on the Sino-Japanese conflict before submission to the Advisory Committee. President Roosevelt’s speech was circulated among the delegates, intensifying the anti-Japanese feeling and arousing the belief that the foundation was laid for action by America and the League in the Far East and resulting in the sub-committee strengthening its report by adding a clause morally supporting China and recommending League members to refrain from action that would weaken China’s resistance, and also to consider how far they can individually aid China. It further recommended the Assembly not to close the session, but declare its willingness to consider co-operation to the maximum extent in any proposals made. The Advisory Committee should in any event meet within a month. The Advisory Committee adopted the report. Poland did not vote, as the rules of procedure were neglected, a dapgerous precedent being established. Canada and Switzerland abstained, saying that they had not had time to con-' suit their Governments. Mr W. J. Jordan made a strong lead against Japan. This was disclosed when Lord Cranborne, before the subcommittee, moved clauses with, regard to not hindering China and to consider assisting her. He pressed for a mo-re concrete phrase calling on members to consider what to do to stop Japanese aggression, but lost, as Britain, France, Australia, and Holland opposed it. Russia, China, and New Zealand supported it, and the remainder abstained. Subsequently the Assembly considered the report, Mr Elliot urged acceptance, as it was a conflict in which the League’s conciliatory powers should be invoked, even at the eleventh hour on the broadest possible basis. M. Boncouf and M. Litvinoff supported him. Dr Wellington Koo, who was given an ovation, said that although the re--commendations were far short of what China asked,- they would them in a spirit of solidarity, reserving the right to present in the future the proposals the committee had not accepted. Siam, Norway, and South Africa announced their abstention, as they had hot had time to consult their Governments. Poland said the conclusions: were not acceptable. . Eventually the Meeting adjourned until 4 p.ih’. ,<m (Uctphpr 6 to enahlq the small Powers-to consult their Governments.

COMMITTEE MAY MEET NEXT MONTH (British Official Wireless.) , RUGBY, October 6. ■ (Received October 7, at 11 a.m.) It is suggested in Geneva that the Far Eastern Committee may meet again next month, and the president of the Assembly is authorised to reconvene that body on request by the committee.

APPROVED BY ASSEMBLY -GENEVA, October 6. (Received October 7, at 11 a.m.) The League Assembly approved the Advisory Committee’s resolution regarding China and Japan. Fifty nations supported the resolution. Siam and Poland abstained. In accordance with the resolution the Aga Khan will ask the League members which are signatory of the Nine-Power Treaty to convoke a conference with the object of a pacific solution to the dispute between China and Japan. Japan as one of the signatories will be invited to attend.