YARDSTICK MEASURES OF LAND AND AIR FORCES

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7018, 18 September 1929, Page 5

YARDSTICK MEASURES OF LAND AND AIR FORCES

Thorny League Problems

FREE STATE SIGNS OPTIONAL CLAUSE

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received Tuesday, 7 p.m. GENEVA, Sept. 16.

The outlook for the attempt to find a uniform form of acceptanco of tho optional clause on behalf of the whole Empire has changed during tho weekend by tho act of the Free State signing unconditionally, subject to ratification by the Dail Eireann. It is understood South Africa views the matter in a similar way.

Despite tho Free State’j action, representatives are continuing their consultations, though not very hopefully, aiming at a common form of acceptance .

Some stir among conscript countries followed the circulation of Lord Hugh Cecil’s motion, urging the Preparatory Disarmament Commission to consider the limitation of land, sea and aerial material and personnel, including the restriction of the numbers and period of training.- This involves the thorny question of trAined reserves, which France does not welcome, as she thinks it ontails going back 'on tho previous British acceptance, under protest, during the Anglo-French naval discussions, of the French view excluding reserves. Lord Cecil’s motion is designed to induce a fresh attempt to find a formula to the approach of land and air armaments by a similar yardstick as in the case of tho Anglo-American naval negotiations.

‘‘Temporary Mandate” Is Deprecated

EXAMPLE OF NEW GUINEA,

United Service. Received Tuesday 7.0 p.m. GENEVA, Sept. 16.

Sir Granville Eyrie, in a speech before the Mandates Committee, deprecated the references of certain previous speakers to temporary mandates.

He said they might cause great barm. Thero was inadequate appreciation in many quarters of what the mandates system really implied. For example, tho governing of natives of most primitive mentality over such a wide area as new Guinea was an almost insuperable task, but impartial observers agreed that after eight ■years’ administration, tho natives of New Guinea were happy and contented. He paid tribute to the missions’ services in New Guinea. They had been instrumental in saving Australia considerable expense. lie added: “I say that as far as New Guinea is concerned, Australia ia fully conversant with its obligations and its affairs are soundly administered within the spirit and letter of the covenant." »