STIR AT GENEVA

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

STIR AT GENEVA

SOVIET ENVOY'S VISIT PROSPECTS OF MEMBERSHIP (United Press Association.) (By Electric .Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, May 21. (Received May 21, at 9 p.m.) The Daily Telegraph's diplomatic correspondent says: "Russia's inclination to join the League bids fair to become a major issue in European diplomacy, due to fear of Japan on one hand and Germany on.the other. It is hoped that as a member of the League Russia will gain moral diplomatic support, particularly against Germany. France desires to bring Russia into the League in order to strengthen the anti-German elements, Franco holding that Moscow's membership at Geneva would help to justify an indirect alliance between France, Russia, Czechoslovakia, and certain Baltic Powers. M. Litvinpff believes that Russia would derive political prestige by joining the League the moment Japan and Germany have withdrawn. Moscow, however, is more intent upon a pact of mutual guarantees than League membership, hence M. Litvinpff is anxious to submit a plan for a pact to the Disarmament Conference immediately, instead of awaiting the League Assembly in September. M. Litvinpff will certainly, fail to make the pact comprehensive as Britain, Italy and Poland are not going to be responsible for the defence of the Soviet frontiers. Belgium, Jugoslavia and Rumania are similarly doubtful; indeed, some of France's allies are alarmed because she may be saddled with the liability to defend the Soviet frontier, and they even question Russia's suitability for League membership owing to its arousing controversies." "THE LEAGUE DYING." ITALIAN LEADER'S DECLARATION. ;, LONDON, May 20. " The League is dying and how it is cannon that will "speak," declared Signer Mussolini in a statement to the Sunday Chronicle. " Perhaps Britain can still play a card by using her power and prestige. The world is waiting for this, because millions of lives' and the destiny of Europe are at stake. The Disarmament Conference has finished and a rearmament conference has begun."