NEUTRALS WAIT ON LEAGUE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 76, 31 March 1919, Page 5

NEUTRALS WAIT ON LEAGUE

AMENDMENTS SUGGESTED

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.)

PARIS, March 28,

Mr Fraser states that representatives of thirteen neutrals conferred with the League of Nations eub-oommittee and offered suggestions and many amendments to meet their views.

The neutrals displayed a friendly interest in the proceedings, without giving pledges. Tim impression was derived that many, if not all of them, will join the League. A provision was insert'd- clearly a( State’s sovereign powers. It was also made clear that in decisions of the executive and delegates, care shall be taken that a small State shall- have equal power with a large one in dealing with subjects affecting its interests. There is also an express reservation that the League must not interfere with the internal affairs of any country. The executive is given power to enlarge its numbers, provided the ratio between large and small States is maintained; but only after the delegates’ council gives its approval. Mr Fraser's authority states that a definite pledge ■ was given that the covenant will be discussed at the plenary session. The Japanese will then press their claim for equality. Mr Fraser’s authority admitted that, although the League provided for non-interferensce in the internal affairs of a country,, there had been occasions when a matter had developed into an international one The League might be called upon to settle such an affair. It was therefore somewhat difficult clearly to say what was purely an internal affair. Even the question o fimmigration might assume international importance.

DIFFICULTY OF MAKING ' CHANGES.

(Australian & N.Z. Cable A* Boo *^ oll -)

NEW YORK, March 20

A Paris despatch states the efforts towards the redrafting o fcertain provisions in the League of Nations covenant in compliance with the wishes of friendly critics proved unavailing. It was asserted that every effort at redrafting emphasised the fact that changes could not be made without offending the susceptibilities of some nation. It was pointed out in high circles that any effort- to provide for special recognition of the Monroe Doetrine would probably lead to Japan’s proposing that ‘ her special rights in China be recognised.

SUBSIDIARY MATTERS.

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.)

PARIS, March 28.—A convention of the Foreign /Ministers of the four Great Powers is now sitting to deal with subsidiary matters connected with the Peace Treaty. The finance Committee of the Conference, under the Presidency of the Right Hon. Montagu Secretary for India, formerly Finarigjil .Secretary to Treasury, is considering the appointtionment of the German puhlip debt, and also the question of Government and State property in States ceded under the Peace Treaty.

AMERICA AND FRANCE

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association)

NEW YORK, March 20. A report is current that President Wilson on his return to Paris assured M. Clemenceau Premier of France that America would not support the full French demands in reference to the west bank of the Rhine, and would not support France’s opposition to the amalgamation of German-Auetria with Germany, whereupon, according to the report, M. Clemenceau offered his resignation on March 17th.