LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Gisborne Times, Volume L, Issue 5136, 31 March 1919, Page 5

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

THIRTEEN NEUTRALS CONFER

WITH jsUB-COMMITTEE.

MANY IF NOT ALL WILL JOIN*

JAPAN’S RACIAL QUESTION

DOMINIONS’ DELEGATES’ DETERMINED OPPOSITION.

MATTER TO BE DISCUSSED AT PLENARY SESSION.

Australian and N Z. Gable Association (Received March 29, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, March 26. Mr. Fraser, correspondent of the Australian Press Asociation, states that thirteen neutrals conferred with j tlie League of Nations sub-committee ! which offered suggestions and many ' amendments to meet their views, j The neutrals displayed a friendly interest in the proceedings without giv- ! ing pledges. The impression is gained that many, if not all, will join the League if provision were inserted clearly protecting sovereign powers , and it was also made clear that in the decisions of the executive and the ! delegates, except where otherwise I provided, care would be taken that the small State has equal power with 1 the large in dealing with subjects | affecting its interest. They also exjn'ess the reservation that the Lea- ! gue must not interfere with the inI ternal affairs of any country, j The executive was given power to . enlarge its numbers provided the ratio between the large and the i small States is maintained, but only ! after the delegates and the Council’s approval. “My authority states,” continues Air. Fraser, “that a definite pledge was given that the covenant would .he discussed at the plenary session. ; The Japanese will then press their claim for equality. He admitted that although- the League provided for j non-interference in the internal af- ! fairs of a country there have been ! occasions when an internal matter | had developed into an international j one and the League might he called Ito settle such an affair. It therefore is somewhat difficult to clearly say what was purely an internal afj fair. Even a question of immigra- ' tion might assume international importance.”

j United Services. i (Receieved March 29, 5.5 p.m.) j PARIS, Alarch 28. j Referring to the discussions on the ; Japanese claims Air. Murdoch states ; that General Smuts pointed out his 1 proposed amendment was very moderate, but Air. Hughes and Air. Alas- . sey took the point that a diplomatic j empty phrase should not be inserted : in the covenant and the question j should now be definitely decided. ; Aloreover, though the Japanese re- • presentative assured tlie Dominions’ representatives that Japan did not intend to go further the former pointed out that some new Government in Japan would be able under the proposed amendment to bring up all racial questions at the League of Nations..

Australian and N.Z. CaWe_ Association (Received March 29, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, March 28.

Japan’s action in leaving in abeyance her amendment to the League of Nations draft doubtless is due to her inability to secure British support. The Japanese left no stone unturned to secure sympathetic interest in their proposal. They believed that President Wilson would not be disinclined to accept recognition, while the British delegation was sympathetically disposed. There was a suggestion that the latter should, after hearing the Japanese views, consider the matter, but Mr. Hughes demurred, preferring to tell, them frankly to their faces that under no circumstances could he be a party to granting their demand. At this conference the Japanese then decided to take another opportunity of pressing their claim either before the League Drafting Committee or when the covenant comes before the plenary sitting of the conference. Tlie revised covenant of the League of Nations provides that nations may withdraw on two years’ notice. No nation is compelled to accept mandatory right conferred. Women may become delegates. Such matters as traffic in arms and munitions are to he placed on separate lists so that the various States may ratify the covenant without being compelled to accept any particular one.

SUGGESTIONS OF FRIENDLY

CRITICS

COMMITTEE CAN MAKE NO

CHANGE

DISARMAMENT TO BE RECONSIDERED EVERY DECADE.

Australian and N.Z. Cabl<» Association (Received March 29, 0. 5 p.m,) NEW YORK, March 26.

A Paris despatch states that the efforts of redrafting certain provisions in the League of Nations covenant in compliance with the wishes of friendly critics proved unavailing. It was asserted that every effort at redrafting emphasised the fact that changes could not he made without affecting the susceptibility of some nation. It was pointed out in high circles that an effort to provide special recognition of the Monroe doctrine would probably lead to Japan proposing that her special rights in China be recognised. PARIS, March 28.

The most notable amendments to the League covenant include the reconsideration of disarmament every decade , with a view to progressive disarmament becoming world-wide.

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