INTERNATIONAL COURT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20366, 21 September 1929, Page 11

INTERNATIONAL COURT.

THE OPTIONAL CLAUSE.

NEW ZEALAND SIGNS.

POSITION OF AUSTRALIA.

Australian Press Assocuition—United Service GENEVA, Sept. 18.

The representatives of Britain, New Zealand, South Africa and India to-day signed the optional clause of the .International Court of Justice, In tho absence of instructions from their Governments tho delegates from Australia and Canada did not sign. The ceremony was carriod out in the large Glass Hall in which the Council of the League of Nations meets.

Tho High Commissioner for Australia, Sir Granville Ryrie, explained that owing to the political crisis in Australia he had not roceived definite instructions from his Government, Therefore he could not sign to-day. Mr, Dandurand (Canada) announced that he was still without authorisation from his Government.

Bofore tho clause was signed the British Foreign Secretary, Mr, Arthur Henderson, said this was another important contribution toward world peace. He referred to the exclusion of inter-Empire disputes, Sir James Parr (Now Zealand) merely repeated Mr. Henderson's declaration in identical terms. Then the signing took place. The representatives of France, Czechoslovakia and Peru also signed the clause. The ceremony was photographed.

TWO RESERVATIONS.

PRIME MINISTER EXPLAINS.

UNITED EMPIRE ACTION.

[BX TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Friday.

A statement about the signing at Geneva of the optional clauso of the International Court was made in the House of Representatives this morning by the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Wai-d, who interrupted the debate on the Police Estimates for the purpose. Sir Joseph said he had to-day received from the High Commissioner, Sir James Parr, a communication from Geneva, stating that with Britain, South Africa and India, New Zealand had signed the clause for a term of 10 years, subject to the following reservations: — (1) Disputes relating to domestic jurisdiction and inter-Dominion disputes are excluded.

(2) The right is reserved to suspend Court proceedings in any dispute for a poriod not exceeding 12 months, while, the matter is being considered by the Council of tho Leaguo of Nations. Sir Joseph said it was understood that Australia and Canada would sign the clause very shortly on the same terms. The Irish Free State had already signed, without reservation. , France and other countries signed at the samo time, but ho had no advice as to the exact terms of their signature.

Tho Prime Minister added that the desire for united Empire - action had - been achieved. « . -