THE LEAGUE ASSEMBLY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20968, 3 September 1931, Page 8

THE LEAGUE ASSEMBLY.

The list of British delegates to the forthcoming League Assembly reflects tho political change lately made in Britain. Mr. Henderson passes from the scene, and supporting Lord Cecil will be four who have fully proved their capability in different departments of national and international affairs. Neither the Prime Minister nor the new Foreign Secretary will be present, the urgency of Cabinet business involving the close attention of every member just now. Abroad, there is bound to be appreciation • of the reasons for their absence and gratification at the choice of a delegation so well able to handle League problems with a sure touch. There will be much to do. The Assembly of last year was marked by discussions rather than decisions. The discussions were serviceable. A wholesome frankness prevailed. The difficult questions of disarmament, minorities, economic stress in Europe and amendments to the Covenant were treated with a probing earnestness never excelled in the history of the League. However, the result was to put in train decisive action by the Council, not to dictate policy in detail. In the interval certain happenings have changed the international outlook considerably. The date of the disarmament conference has been fixed for February next; the Hoover plan for postponing all Government war liabilities has altered the economic position; the Austro-German cus-_ toms union, remitted to the World Court for an advisory judgment on its political implications, is now understood to be abandoned; and the various technical committees, given last year very definite "sailing orders" as to exploratory inquiries, have cleared the way for practical campaigns. Altogether, the prospect of positive advance in international co-operation, especially in relation to disarmament and finance, is far more promising than it was twelve months ago. This does not mean a millennial dawn, by any means, for habitual differences of point of view may intensify as a practical programme is resumed; but it does mean that the Assembly cannot mark time in the face of crucial questions as it was disposed to do last year. For this reason, it is particularly satisfactory that a thoroughly capable British delegation is being sent to Geneva.