BACK FROM GENEVA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23637, 22 October 1938, Page 14

BACK FROM GENEVA

MR JORDAN’S IMPRESSIONS TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION WITH LONDON ' (From Our Own Correspondent) (By Air Mall) LONDON, Sept. 29. On his return from Geneva, Mr W. j. Jordan, High Commissioner, stated that the session which he had just attended proved most interesting. What impressed him most was the large number of member States who expressed their nations’ desire to adhere to the policy of the Covenant of the League. It was quite evident that the spirit which prompted the founders to draw up the Covenant still prevailed, although many of the nations are loosening their hold because of the League's inclination so to modify the Covenant as to render its purpose progressively non-effective. Mr Jordan stated that many rumours were about of impending hostilities, and some troop' movement on the frontier was noticeable. The attendance of foreign Ministers was affected by the international position ann at limes. Mr Jordan stated, he was prompted to return to London. Ho was in constant telephonic communication with London, and was able to remain until the business of the as« sembled council was practically concluded. Mr Jordato was able to arrive back In lime for consultations leading up to the latest actions of the Prime Minister and other Governments The High Commissioner said that there could be no doubt that the dominions were kept fullv informed of the movements by the British Government. The actions of the people of New Zealand expressed through their Prime Minister have been favourably noted in high places in Britain. In the Commons Mr Jordan had a second memorable experience of attending the House of Commons when the Prime Minister outlined fully his negotiations in respect to the present crisis. The news of the postponement of mobilisation In Germany and the meeting at Munich was most refreshing, although not surprising to many, as, notwithstanding the scares, there was a feeling that war would be averted. The House presented a unanimous opinion in following Mr Chamberlain’s pronouncements. Expressions of apEreciation of his efforts were given y Mr Attlee, leader of the Opposition party, Sir Archibald Sinclair, leader of the Liberal Party, and Mr George Lansbury all expressing the hope that’ peace would now prevail. The fourth speaker, Mr Maxton. leader of the Independent Labour Party, expressed the hope that, in applauding the Chancellor of Germany, we should not be overawed and so forget the claims of the smaller and democratic countries. Air Raid Precautions at New Zealand House In accordance with general practice, suitable air raid precautions have been made at the New Zealand Office in London. A shelter has been prepared in the basement of the building, and members organised on each floor so that, in the event of dangen each p:rson will know what to do. Several members of the staff of the office have volunteered for service, and quite a number have received instructions in air raid precaution procedure. It may be said that the establishment of New Zealand House has fulfilled all that is to be expected in the way of preparations for eventualities.