LEAGUE ASSEMBLY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22369, 17 September 1934, Page 9

LEAGUE ASSEMBLY

POLAND'S ATTITUDE REFUSAL TO CO-OPERATE FURTHER STATEMENT BY SIR JOHN SIMON (British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) RUGBY, September 14. (Received Sept. 10, at 5.5 p.m.) At the League of Nations Assembly meeting the announcement made by Jlr Mr Joseph Beck, Minister of .Polish Foreign Affairs, that Poland refused any longer to co-operate with international organisations, which are taken to include organs of the League of Nations, in the matter of supervision and the application bv Poland of a system of minority protection was discussed. The declaration created a profound sensation in the Assembly. The early speaker at to-day's meeting was Sir John Simon, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. He said it was clear that it should not be possible for any State by unilateral action to relieve'itself of Its obligations, and lie wanted to put that on record as the view of the British Government. Poland's action has provoked some comments in the newspapers, and_ the Daily Herald, while agreeing that it ia hard to justify a system of supervision in respect of" only a small group of States, characterises Poland's action as ' reprehensible, insofar as it strikes a blow at the sanctity of treaties and the authority of the League. It urges that a serious attempt to make the protection of minorities universal might well be undertaken. The Morning Post says that the arguments advanced by Poland to justify her release from the treaty are not without some weight, but that unilateral repudiation of a solemn covenant cannot but arouse some misgiving. The Telegraph regards Poland's action as only too typical of the impatient spirit of the times and believes the world convention suggested would almost certainly disagree from the start, or, if it agreed on a uniform basis, that basis would be more honoured in the breach than in the observance. A DISTURBING DECISION (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 14. (Received Sept. 16, at 5.5 p.m.) The gravity of the decision announced by Mr Beck was emphasised by M. Bartiiou (France) in supporting Sir John Simon. He said that he spoke as the representative of France and the friend and ally of Poland, and he could not believe Mr. Beck's speech was intended as a threat or an attempt to impose a fait accompli on the League. Baron Aloisi (Italy) also supported the censure, and, like M. Barthou, admitted the possibility' of treaty revision. Adaptation must, however, be effected legally, and the existing engagements respected until replaced by new provisions. POLAND STANDS FIRM SUPPORT FOR RUSSIA'S ADMISSION . GENEVA, September 14. (Received Sept. 16, at 5.5 p.m.) Mr Beck stated that Poland maintained its attitude regarding minorities and did not consider the situation changed -by to-day's debate. The Little Entente's Permanent Council, M. Titulesco, M. Yevtitch and Dr Benes, decided to support Russia's admission to the League. It also decided to support the status quo regarding minorities. PERMANENT SEAT FOR RUSSIA i GENEVA. September 15. (Received Sept. 16, at 8 p.m.) Russia accepted the invitation, signed by 30 members, to join the League, after which the council formally and unanimously voted in favour of giving the Soviet a permanent seat. Panama, Portugal and Argentina did not vote. All the British dominions, except the Free State, signed the invitation to Russia. Other European non-signatories were Belgium. Poland, Portugal, Luxembourg and Switzerland. Proceedings securing Russia's election will bo completed on September IS. RUSSIA AND THE LEAGUE COMPLETE AGREEMENT REACHED PARIS, September 15. (Received Sept. 16, at 8 p.m.) Diplomatic circles understand that a complete agreement has been reached in the negotiations for the admission of Russia to the League.