League of Nations

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 230, 11 September 1922, Page 5

League of Nations

ASSEMBLY AT WORK. DISARMAMENT OF POWERS. COMMISSION’S REPORT. I By Cable.—Press Association.—Conyrirht.i (Received 11, 9.20 a.m.) Geneva, Sept. 10. Ine Disarmament Commission reported to the Assembly that several schemes on disarmament were impracticable. The principal obstacle was the general instability of the world which compelled nations to hesitate to consider disarmament. In the absence of Germany, Russia and the united States from the League the commission requested ©very nation to promote disarmament. The majority replied sympathetically, but indicated that political and geographical considerations, and a feeling of insecurity hindered it. Nevertheless, the commission reported real progress in limiting land armaments by means of mutual guarantees protecting the contracting parties. Regarding navy reduction the commission drafted an agreement proposing to extend the Washington treaty to all maritime nations. Among nations replying to the commission’s request to reduce, Britain wrote that she was entirely in harmony with the spirit of the recommendation, and had already effected a substantial reduction. This policy was liable to reconsideration if not adopted by other Powers. The second reply in 1922 says further economies have been realised. Australia replied that she was entirely in harmony with the spirit of the recommendation. South Africa stated that she was reducing defence expenditure one-third in 1923. Canada was in entire accord and had already effected a substantial reduction in naval, military and air departments. New Zealand associated itself with the British views.

MANDATES controversy. The Assembly adopted Dr. Nansen’s motion formally expressing general satisfaction of the Mandates Commission’s report, but directed that it be referred back to the Committee on Political Questions for closer examination. Sir Joseph Cook says this means that the committee will have power to reconsider the whole matter and report to the Assembly. Referring to Nauru, Sir Joseph Cook understands the commission is principally concerned about Chinese labour and alleged financial exploitation of phosphates in the interest of Australia, New Zealand and Britain, which it is believed is exciting the "hostility of American phosphate interests. It is pointed out that the chairman of the mandates sub-section of the council of the League considerably modified the report from Marquis Theodoli, as far as Nauru was concerned.—(A. and N.Z.)

APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES. London. Sept. 9. The Australian Press Association’s Geneva correspondent states that the Australians and New Zealanders have been allocated to the follow ing committees :— Constitutional and Judicial; Mr. Justice Rich, Sir Francis Bell and Mr. Boyce. Technical Organisations: Sir Joseph Cook. Sir James Allen and Air. Boyce. Reduction of Armaments: Mr. Afark Sheldon and Sir A. D. Steel-Maitland. Finance: Sir James Allen. Sir Joseph Cook and Mr. Boyce. Social Problems: Mr. Sheldon. Mr. Dale and Sir A. D. Steel Maitland. Political: Mr. Justice Rich, Sir Francis Bell and Mr. Boyce. Economic: Air. Campion. Health : Sir Joseph Cook, Sir James Allen and Air. Dale. At a meeting of the Health Committee on Friday an effort was made under cover of the menace /if Russian epidemics to transform the voluntary health organisation into a permanent salaried department. Air John Ward. Sir Joseph Cook, Sir .Tames Allen and Mr. Dale opposed the move. After a strenuous argument the proposal was defeated on the ground that the voluntary organisation was satisfactory in the past and that another salaried department was unnecessary.—(A. and N.Z.)