RUSSIA AND LEAGUE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22268, 22 May 1934, Page 9

RUSSIA AND LEAGUE

PROSPECT OF JOINING DIFFICULTY WITH POLAND. LONDON, May 5. It is expected iu London that the path will be sufficiently smoothed to enable Russia to join the League of Nations at the next session of the Assembly in September. The question probably will be discussed at a private meeting of the League Council after May 14,. when the views of the Powers will be better kno.vu. The initiative is being taken by France ' and the Governments of the Little Entente, which are all anxious to see the Soviet obtain a permanent seat on the council. The Moscow Government is willing to do this on certain conditions. Some, difficulty arises from the fact that Switzerland and Holland have not resumed diplomatic relations with Russia, but it is believed that their attitude is not regarded as au important obstacle. One result of the recent visit of the French Foreign Minister, M. Barthou, to Poland is that Poland is prepared to support Russia's admission, providing that Poland is given a permanent seat on the council and Russia signs the Minorities' Treaties.

Whether Moscow would be prepared to sign such a treaty, unless all the other countries agreed to take similar action, is very problematical, but no iutimation has yet been given that the matter will not receive consideration. Poland takes n strong stand on the question of the Minorities' Treaties, and will endeavour to induce the League Assembly to adopt a resolution stipulating that such treaties should be extended to all nations in thp form of a general treaty.

It is stated in London that the Russian Government is most favourably disposed toward the League, especially as admission would help to allay fears regarding Japan. Should difficulties created by the Polish policy be surmounted in the near future, as is liopoi the way will be clear. :