“HOTEL INTRIGUES”

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 September 1934, Page 7

“HOTEL INTRIGUES”

MR. DE VALERA’S PROTEST I LEAGUE ASSEMBLY BREEZE , [BY CABLE—PBISB ASSN. —COPYBIGHT.] (Recd. Sept. 13, Noon). GENEVA, September 12. Mr. De Valera caused a sensation in the Assembly, on the vital question of Russia’s admission, saying it should be discussed in public instead of in hotel bedrooms. He favoured the entry in ordinary manner, without special privileges. Russia should guarantee universal religious liberty and extend the world-wide rights granted to American citizens. Chancellor Schuschnigg vigorously appealed to the League and Europe to ensure rigid maintenance of Austria’s independence. He described Austria’s economic struggle, adding that if the Austrians’ rights of self-determination had been respected everywhere, “Doifuss, not I, would have been here today.” Dolfuss was the victim of deliberate malice and senseless brutality. Austria, when resisting terrorism, fights for her own existence, her neighbours’ interests, and world peace. LATER. Mr De Valera referred to the 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 their prolongation might defeat the project. The simplest way was to secure the Assembly’s vote, and, if there were opposition, to refer it to the appropriate committee. He objected to attempts to deprive the delegates of their rights in the Assembly.

LONDON PRESS SUPPORT. LONDON, September 12. “The Times” says: There is considerable sympathy with De 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 created a very bad impression, weakening the League’s prestige. RUSSIA’S ADMISSION. RUGBY,'September 12 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, who have undertaken the collection of the signatures to be attached to the letter, are in a position to inform the Soviet if it agrees to election by the necessary two-thirds majority of the Assembly, and permanent Powers on the Council are assured. RUSSIA’S OBJECTION. (Recd. September 13, 10.30 a.m.) GENEVA, September 12. M. Litvinoff objected to the modified text of the proposed invitation. The Soviet does not want to be treated differently from Turkey and Mexico, who Were invited unanimously.