LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18574, 29 November 1920, Page 7

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

INTERNATIONAL COURT. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. GENEVA, November 26. As the nomination of judges in the draft scheme for an International Coiirfc rcns by national gywps, an amendment has boon proposed which will enable the overseas dominions to have tho right of nomination. (Received November 28, 11.5 p.m.) LONDON.. November 27. One of tho International Labour organisations mede a suggestion to divide the Court of Justice into two bodies, one for general, tho' other for (Labour questions. » THE VILNA PLEBISCITE. (Received November 28, 11.5 p.m.) LONDON, November 27. The Council docidod that two companies, one comprising French, British and Spanish troops, and one company of Belgians, should police Vilna during tho probisclte. Provision was made for other nationalities participating if they desire, the cost to bo borne by Poland and Lithuania. THE BLOCKADE WEAPON. LONDON, November 27. The Sixth Commission oonsiderod an economic blockade based on Lord Robert Cecil's observations, by which it was thought the Council could, in tho majority of oases, institute a blockade without reporting to the oreation of a more cumbrous proposal to institute an international commission for the purpose. It was admitted that there, were complicated oases where, for instance, a t ecalcitrant State might have a neighbour not within tho League. Mr Milleo thought it was necessary to ostabiish and codify measure* to be taken by each State in the ovent of a blockade. Instead of being varied for different countries, there should be some fixed line of conduct adopted. A Norwegian delegate supported Mr Millen. , „ . . After discussion the Commission considered that the Council should alone be responsible for the application or blockade, and declared that the International Commission should be consultative and devise mechanism for blockade.

MONTENEGRO'S FRONTIER. A MATTER~OF FINANCE. (Received November 88, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, November 26. Two yearS ago M. Poincare and M. Pichon, on behalf of the Allies, induced the King of Montenegro to remain in Paris, assuring him that when the enemy was cleared out the Powers would respect Montenegro's integrity. Now Montenegro id requesting the League to admit her to membership. Montenegro's people resent Serbian domination and submitted to the Assembly a long list of atrocities perpetrated by lerbs. Tire claim the fulfilment of the Powers cruarnntees to preserve sovereignty. The Foreign Minister wrote to the secretariat on tho subject ten days ago but so far has not received a reply. The commission dealing with contributions for tho maintenance or tne league is in a morass in regard to formulating a basis of proportions, including one suggesting a basis on expenditure by th& various nations, on firmaments. This idea did not commend itself to the League. The clause- offering most hope was based on national rovenue and internal and external trade, also population, with a proviso that the latter should not exceed that of tho greatest European country, in order to safeguard India and China. Some modification along this lino mav furnish a reasonable, equitable standard. The main difficulty lies in obtaining accurate statistics owing to want of uniformity in their preparation rendering comparison of economic conditions more or less unsound. Dissatisfied with the commission's decision not to accept amendments to the Covenant it is understood that Argentina will test the mutter in the Asmoving that the council should be elected each session, five members only to ho re-eligible for election to the succeeding Bession. Rumania and Serbia strongly oppose the admission of Bulgaria. The council decided to appoint a peimanent commission for examination of the annual reports of mandatories under Article 22 of ihe Covenant, consisting of five representatives of nonmandatory Powers and four representatives of mandatory Powers.

LORD ROBERT CECIL ON SCOPE OF LEAGUE. LONDON, November 20. Lord Robert Cecil, addressing British and American journalists, said the Assembly thus far had been extraordinarily 'successful- It had a genuine belief in its own vitality, which was exceedingly encouraging. Review of the present international situation was perhaps the most important of its functions. It should not be^ confined to legislative work like a parliament, but indulge in discussion and criticism, which was as important a 8 legislative duties.. Referring to the Armenian situation Lord Robert Cecil said that he had good reason to believe that if a loan of twenty million dollars was forthcoming it would suffice to save Armenia, from 'Hio Kemalists until the Armenians could stand alone. He believed America was the best nation to undertake mediation.

Questioned by the Australian and New Zealand Press Association whether the Assembly could reply to the German protest without referring the subject to the Allied and Associated Powers, Lord Robert Cecil said he would like to see a delegate dare to stand tip and argue that the Assembly would have to submit the matter to the Allies. He was unable to say whether the Assembly would reply to the protest.