THE RULE OF LAW

Evening Star, Issue 22817, 27 November 1937, Page 21

THE RULE OF LAW

DECLARATIONS BY THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS UNION An emergency meeting of the General Council of the League of Nations Union was held in London on October 12, and the following resolutions were adapted. The meeting was attended by members from all parts of the country, together with representatives of certain affiliated societies and the Trade Union Congress. The resolutions were issued for publication, and have been forwarded to us by the Otago branch of the union. This special meeting of the council of the League of Nations Union draws the urgent attention of the public and of His Majesty’s Government to the fact that the present dangerous chaos in world affairs, with its threat to peace, is in a large measure due to the failure during recent years to apply the principles and method of the League of Nations. The council recognises that the League can only effectively deter or restrain aggressors provided that the States who will loyally collaborate are sufficient to ensure adequate collective strength' and resources for the purpose. The council therefore welcomes the declaration of the President of the United States affirming that it is essential fo,r the safety and progress of mankind that the rule of Jaw shcruld be established and maintained among the nations, arid that all peace-loving nations must make concerted effort to this end. The council welcomes the fact that the League Assembly, by a unanimous verdict, subsequently endorsed by the United States, has clearly defined its responsibility for the present hostilities in China; and urges that His Majesty’s Government should do its utmost, through the Kine-Power Conference and otherwise, to secure the fullest collaboration with the United States, as well as with members of the League, for taking effective measures to restrain Japan, making it clear that the United Kingdom will participate fully in any such action. These measures would in particular include: (1) Financial assistance to China; (2) supplies of food and medical requirements to China; and (3) imposition of such economic pressure on Japan as will most speedily put an end to her aggression,, especially the prevention of all imports coming from Japan and the refusal of all military supplies, including oil, to that country. The council assures His Majesty’s Government of its whole-hearted support in all effective steps which it may take in cooperation with other nations to restrain aggression. The General Council of the League of Nations Union, aware of the universal horror and indignation aroused by Japanese aggression in China, suggests to young people and sportsmen in all countries that they should make their abhorrence of such proceedings known throughout Japan, by an announcement in their respective countries that all arrangements for representation at the Olympic Games at Tokio in 194.0 will be suspended.