Russia Joins League

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 220, 20 September 1934, Page 7

Russia Joins League

IRELAND APPEALS FOE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. GENEVA, September 18. The League of Nations Assembly by 39 votes to 3, with seven countries abstaining, admitted Russia. The result of the ballot was received in silence. AI. Alotta emphasised Switzerland’s objections, declaring that the League was undertaking an obvious task. Air. Aoman du Valera in moving tones recalled his previous misgivings, also Alotta’s of yesterday, especially his concern for hundreds of millions of Christians. lie said it was not sufficient to concern oneself merely with politics. The only way by which their conscience could be cased was by free Russian assurances. If they were not given, peace which was only assurablo on a basis of goodwill, could not be secured. Russia was attacking the things that count most in lifo. “Speaking ns a representative of people who have no quarrel with Russia I urgo the Soviet to proclaim complete liberty of conscience and freedom of worship. Portugal and Holland intimated opposition. Subsequently the Assembly, with ten abstentions, granted Russia a permanent seat on the Council. Tho Russian delegation headed by M. Litvinoff then entered. Litvinoff, when invited to speak, explained the Soviet's ideals of Government md added that Russia was entering tho League as the representative of a new social economic system, not renouncing any of its special features but preserving its personality intact.