VACANT SEAT

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 16 September 1926, Page 5

VACANT SEAT

ON LEAGUE COUNCIL.

DOMINION REPRESENTATION

DIVIDED OPINIONS,

by CABLE-PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. GENEVA, Sept. 14. After all the League's care in reorganising the Council in order to meet Germany and appease aggrieved nations by increasing the non-permanent se.ats to nine, the'anti-climax has arisen that the ninth seat is going a-begging. The lobbies were agog to-day with a re-hash of the story that the Dominions will be selected for the vacancy, but it can be stated definitely that the Dominions, as a joint entity, will not be a candidate, that being a matter for Empire decision. Though the Empire delegates met, no decision was taken. What happened to-day is that the Irish Free State sounded Canada and offered to ' stand down if Canada thought of nominating in her own name. The Canadians apparently feel that the uncertainty of the result of the Canadian elections precludes any such step because it might not be approved by the Ministry which is returned to office. Consequently, it is generally accepted to-night that the Irish Free State will nominate. She is in the- position already of having Mr M a ©White as a permanent representative at Geneva —and could discharge her duties on the T Council without additional expense or inconvenience. ' The only official statement issued after the Empire delegates meeting was that the British delegation could not make ary announcement regarding the rumour* ‘of Irish or Canadian candidature. - The opinion in Australian circles, is that while the delegation will await a suggestion that there should be a Dominions ’ candidate/ with a view to the seat being occupied in rotation, it is most unlikely to happen at this assembly, though there may be a declaratory general motion conserving the right of any Dominion to a council seat if elected by the Assembly. New Zealanders - dismiss the idea of the present composite candidature as kite-flying, but Mr Mac Neill (Irish Free State) said tonight: "The tim'e has come for .the Dominions to have a voice on the Council. They have as much right thereto as the Latin Americans and the Little Entente. This would be another step towards higher status for the Dominions. Britain’s sole representative on the Council could not reasonably bp expected to voice the opinions of the whole Empire.” The first commission to-night put through Lord Cecil's reorganisation plan with only one , vital amendment. .*n ■* amendment preserves the sovereign right of the Assembly to dissolve' the Council at any time it thinks circumstances justify such a step.

TURKEY WANTS TO JOIN.

GENEVA, Sept. 14. Nothing so far has happened in connection with Turkey's application for membership of the League. . Three Turkish ambassadors have been busy sounding delegations to ascertain how Turkey’s overtures would be received. It is not probable that Turkey will make any move f ot a few months, tut the Germans make no secret of their anxiety that Turkey should join.