LEAGUE COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1937, Page 5

LEAGUE COUNCIL

a fiery Opening BY MR W. JORDAN. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright-). (Received this day at 1.30 p.m.) GENEVA, September 16. Air AY. Jordan in a fiery opening speech at tin 1 League Council debate on the Spanish Appeal, suggested that Spain should be asked to become a irrado A mandate in order to stop the war, and should bold fair ('lections when the country calmed down, so that the people ct/uld decide their own destiny.

“I ask the Spanish whether it is too late to do that now.” Peoples throughout the world desired peace, hut the opinions of Governments are sometimes put across the opinions of the people. He expressed horror at the outrages against shipping and against civilisation in Snain.

Speaking earnestly and rising from liis seat and waving his arms, Mr Jordan declared “Who wil/1, next appeal against this warring. We are referring too many matters to committees. Mv nations is small and its youth may be insignificant, but it is ready to stand behind the covenant of collective security. The Teague’s purpose is to protect humanity, and oppose unwarranted attacks on innocent people. After the aggressions in Ethiopia, Spain and China, New Zealand could not help asking as a small country, who would be the next and if New Zealand was attacked would the colleague nations stand by.

Referring to the sinking of the “Campoador,” Mr Jordan said, Italian warships not only allegedly torpedoed the tanker, hut aso machinegunner] the escaping crew, four of whom were left floating, dead, with lifebelts on. Tt seemed like* reading a book rather than a story of what Lad happened in our lifetime. Air Jordan asked why Italy had not come before the Council to state her cause. The League must consider that facts -violating the international law had been perpetrated. Wc had also heard an appeal from China., to which Japanese sources responded by blaming the Chinese. That at least is something to investigate. BUILDING COLLAPSES. fßeceived this day at- IU.o a.m.) PARIS, September 16. The League of Nations building ai the Paris exhibition collapsed owing to the weakening of the foundation after heavy rain. The buildings were empty at the time.