SOVIETS IDEALS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22372, 20 September 1934, Page 9

SOVIETS IDEALS

EXPLAINED TO THE LEAGUE PERMANENT SEAT GRANTED (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) GENEVA, September 18. The League Assembly, by 39 votes to three, seven countries abstaining, admitted Russia. The result of the ballot was received in silence. M. Motta emphasised Switzerland’s objections, declaring that the League was undertaking an obvious task. Mr de Valera, in moving tones, recalled his previous misgivings, also M. Motta’s yesterday, especially his concern for hundreds of millions of Christians, He said it was not sufficient to concern oneself merely with politics. The only way by which one’s conscience could be eased was by free Russian assurances. If they were not given, peace, which could only be assured on a basis of goodwill, could not be secured. Russia was attacking things that counted most in life. “ Speaking as a representative of people who have no quarrel with Russia, I urge the Soviet to proclaim complete liberty of conscience and of freedom of worship.” Portugal and Holland intimated their opposition. Subsequently the Assembly, with 10 abstentions, granted Russia a permanent seat on the Council. The Russian delegation, headed by M. Litvinoff (Foreign Minister), then entered. M. Litvinoff, being invited to speak, explained the Soviet’s ideals of government, and added that Russia was entering the League as a representative of a new social and economic system, and was not renouncing any of its special features. It was preserving its personality intact.