MORAL SUPPORT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22853, 7 October 1937, Page 11

MORAL SUPPORT

CASE FOR CHINA LEAGUE STRENGTHENED MR. JORDAN PRESSES VIEWS By Teleffrnph—Press Association—Copyright GENEVA. Oct. 5 While the sub-committee was considering the drafting committee's report before submission to the Advisory Committee. President Roosevelt's speech wap circulated to the delegates. It intensified the antiJapanese feeling and aroused the belief that the foundation was laid for action by America and the League in the Far East. This resulted in the sub-committee strengthening its report. It added a clause morally supporting China and recommending members of the League to refrain from action that would weaken China's resistance, also to consider how far they can individually aid China. Mr. Jordan's Strong Lead It was also recommended that the Assembly should not close the session, but that it should declare its willingness to consider co-operation to the maximum extent on any proposals made. The Advisory Committee, in any event, should meet within a month. The Advisory Coinmitteee adopted the report. Poland did not vote, as the rules of procedure had been neglected and a dangerous precedent would have been established. The Canadian and Swiss delegates abstained, saying they had had no time to consult their Governments.

The New Zealand delegate, Mr. W. J. Jordan, took a strong lead against Japan. He disclosed that when Viscount Cranborne (Britain), in the subcommittee stage, moved the clauses regarding not hindering China, also consideration of assisting her, he pressed for a more concrete phrase, calling on members to consider what to do to stop Japanese aggression. This suggestion was lost, however, as Britain, France, Australia and Holland opposed it. Russia, China and New Zealand supported it. The remainder abstained. Discussion By Assembly Subsequently the Assembly considered the report. Mr. Walter Elliot (Britain) urged its acceptance, as it was a conflict in which the League's conciliatory powers should be invoked, even at the eleventh hour, on the broadest possible basis. M. Boncur (France) and M. Litvinoff (Russia) supported Mr. Elliot. Dr. Wellington Koo (China) received an ovation. He said that although the recommendations were far short of what China asked, it would accept them in the spirit of solidarity. China would reserve its right on present and future proposals which the committee did not accept.

Siam, Norway and South Africa announced abstention, as the delegates had not had time to consult their Governments. The Polish delegate said the conclusions were not acceptable. Eventually the meeting was adjourned until 4 p.m. on Wednesday to enable the small Powers' delegates to consult their Governments.