Return To Law Of Jungle.

Northern Advocate, 13 May 1938, Page 5

Return To Law Of Jungle.

-MR JORDAN

(Received noon.) GENEVA, May; 12. Daring the discussions of the question of recognition of the Italian conquest of Abyssinia by the League of Nations Council, the New 'Zealand High Commissioner, Mr W. J. Jordan, vigorously opposed the British Foreign Secretary, Viscount Halifax, who spoke for recognition. “This is a return to the law of the jungle, and a direct denial of the League’s principles,” said Mr Jordan. “It is another retreat from the principles of collective security. Signs of Progress. “It is a sign of some progress that the Monarch of an aggrieved country can state his case, heard by representatives of more fortunate countries. We trust this spirit will grow until international relationship can be discussed at this table Without recourse to killing each other* by. men bearing no ill will-against each-other. “The New Zealand Government is of the opinion that there is no material fault with the Covenant as it stands. . ", ■ “The fault lies in the failure to , apply it. New Zealand believes that the League should not divest itself of responsibility, or condone aggression, and, If recognition is accorded, it should be by general resolution of the League. N.Z. Stands by Non-Recognition. “Surely the League was formed for the of safeguarding the independence of states? The tragedy of retreat from collective security is today’s compromise between leaving the League and remaining loyal to the Covenant.

“New Zealand stands by the non- , recognition resolution, and still considers it most necessary that the Covenant should remain in force. It deplores anything weakening it. There is no justification of granting individual States a choice in this • question.” Dr. Wellington Koo (China) deprecated the use of force in v’Jj ment of international crisis. China did not subscribe to Britain’s pro- f posals. M. Dr. Petresin Comnene (Rumania) on behalf of the Little Entente (Rumania, Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia) supported Britain and France.