LEAGUE COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1937, Page 5

LEAGUE COUNCIL

M" BRUCE APPEALS FOR IMMEDIATE LEAGUE ACTION (United Press Association—By Electric Telegi a ph—Copyright). (Received this day at 9.45 a.m.) GENEVA, September 21. Warning the League against postponing or side-stepping the issues, J\lr Bruce in the Assembly, urged the Council to endeavour to arrange a conference of Powers concerned in the Far East whether members or non- ) members, with a view to contacting the countries engaged in the dispute, and attempting to arrange a settlement, or such concerted measures us are necessary.

'file Sino-.Japanese dispute necessitates immediate land explicit, consideration of the League’s function as a political organisation. It is imperative that the League face the reality of China’s appeal. He pointed out that Article 11 provided means for transcending the limitations of ’lie League’s present membership, and urged action in that direction. A SOVIET ATTACK. (Received this day at 10.40 a.m.) GENEVA, September 21. M. Maxim Litvinoff addressing the Assembly, lashed out at ’the masked naked aggression.” He declared two members of the League Council verts subjected to invasion while the commercial vessels and warships of other nations were victims of every kind of

attack. Japan was pouring hundreds of thousands into China and paralysing the trade of one of the greatest commercial centres of the world. Spain was similarly subjected to an invasion by foreign armies and magnificent cities were being bombarded. Yet the League secretariats did not reflect tlittee events. It appears the League must he saved, like a maiden, from suspicion that such things happen. It is impossible to speak of non-intervention without irony, when parties to it sent whole army divisions to Spain, and their warships were bombarding Spanish ports, and sinking neutral commercial vessels.

■ M. Litvinoff regretted the absence ot the United States from the League which so badly needed its tremendous influence. He added that he was convinced the League can afford Spain and China, more assistance, and it would he preferable to spare the lives of thousands of victims than to, spare the feelings of the League’s passivity which had led to attacks on Abyssinia, Spain and China;