RUSSIA’S REPLY

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 March 1928, Page 7

RUSSIA’S REPLY

PROPAGANDA RAMPANT WILL NOT JOIN LEAGUE (Australian & N.Z. Uabre AsßOciaMon.) (By Cable—Press Assn— Copyright.) . GENEVA, March 22. M. Litvinoff’s annoyance at Lord Cushendun’s scathing denunciation of the Soviet’s proposals was evident in the fact that he devoted the greater part of his reply to an attack on British policy. He said with regard to Lord Cushenden’s demand as to whether Russia had changed her policy of interfering in the internal affairs of others, he would draw attention to the presence of British troops and fleets in Chinese cities and ports; also the recent notes to Persia. He countered Lord Cushenden’s question about fomenting civil war, with the statement that he might refer to the existence in many countries, of an organisation or bureau of Russian emigrants, which forge documents against the Soviet. One of these was known as the Zinovieff letter, already historic in England. He declared that the British and others had done nothing to settle the questions which rendered it impossible for the commission to undertake the second reading of the Soviet’s project. This might well be described as sabotage, nevertheless the Soviet, though it had no intention of joining the League, was determined to take a most active part in the work of the Commission. When other nations fail in taking the initiative in disarmament, the Soviet AVould take it. That is why it presented the project. It would be a blessing if the Commission would agree to the abolition of armaments. They should be willing to sacrifice the articles of the Covenant standing in the way. He reminded the Commission that the Soviet had never made war on anyone. That was a fact. The Soviet had no obligation under the Covenant and her express wish to participate in the League’s efforts should be sufficient proof of sincerity. He again asked acceptance of the principle of total disarmament. If accepted they could study it article by article. If rejected, he would not ask for further consideration.

M. Clauzel pointed out that the declarations of delegates left no doubt of their attitude. Out of nineteen speakers, only Herr Ber'nstoff supported the Soviet plan. M. Litvinoff apparently wanted martyrdom, but he should be satisfied with the number of darts he received. What the League wanted was to end all Avar, civil and international. He concluded by seconding Lord Cushenden’s proposal that the Soviet plan be referred to the Governments in the meantime, a meeting to be convoked before the September assembly fo.r the purpose of a second reading of the Commission’s draft of the disarmament project in connection with Avhich the PoAvers are iloav in agreement on the disputed Feeling in the lobbies is that M. Litvinoff’s oration Avas another propaganda effort, the Soviet at present evidently being anxious to keep in touch Avith the rest of the Avorld through disarmament and economic conferences.

PROPOSALS REJECTED.

GENEVA, March 23.

TeAvfik Rushdi alone rallied to M. Litvinoff’s aid, and demanded that the Disarmament Commission should consider the Soviet’s plan, Avith a vlbaa 7 to finding the best means of opproaching the desired ideal.

Air Gibson (U.S.A.) said that as the result of sounding the delegates, he was of opinion a sufficient agreement was not reached to justify beginning the second reading of the report. It was better to leave the convening to the President’s discretion, perhaps in July and August. The Russians persisted that the debate had not proved the Soviet proposals were impracticable, but Chairman Loudon tabled a motion that while the proposals harmonised with mankind’s ideal, they were incapable of being executed in the existing world conditions. This was only realisable by methods of pacific procedure, systematic organisations and sanctions being strengthened, therefore the work must proceed on lines already mapped out. Aleanwhile, the members of the Governments will examine the Soviet plans. Count Bernstorff revealed the new German viewpoint that' her disarmament was contrary to the League Covenant, and had not left her sufficient forces to discharge her obligation thereto.

Al. Litvinoff rose late in the afternoon, and announced that to-morrow he is submiting new proposals for parties giving up armaments, and invited immediate discussion.

LABOUR SUPPORTS SOVIET.

LONDON, March 23.

The annual report of the Council'of the Independent Labour Party, at the Norwich Conference, says: The bold Soviet proposals to the League have given a great impetus to the discussion of the International disarmament. The party should do its utmost to inform public opinion of the importance of the proposals, compelling the League adequately to consider the matter. GREEK-ROUMANIAN TREATY. ATHENS, March 23. Greece and Roumania signed a pact of non-aggressiou and arbitration.