LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Otago Witness, Issue 3782, 7 September 1926, Page 30

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

CONTROL OF TANGIER. LONDON, August 30. In the Houae of Commons, Sir Aueten Chamberlain (Foreign Minister) confirmed the statement that Spain had asked for the incorporation of Tangier in the Spanish zone of Morocco, or alternately that Spain should be given a mandate. His Majesty’s Government had replied that it was unable to agree to the first alternative, but was ready to discuss with France the Spanish Government’s conditions upon which the assent of the Powers that nad not yet accepted the Tangier Convention would be obtainable. Sir Austen Chamberlain said ho did not think Geneva a convenient place for this discussion. MADRID, August 30. The Foreign Minister has issued a Note stating that Spain considers that the final solution of the Tangier problem would lie in the incorporation of Tangier in the Spanish Protectorate of Morocco, subject to an agreement not to fortify it, or to use the port as a naval or aerial base, to respect the freedom cf trade, and to eetablish an Administration giving equal justice to all. The Note declares that the Spanish Government never contemplated receiving a mandate over Tangier from the League of Nations. The connection between Spain’s demand for a seat on the League Councihand her demand for the incorpora, tion of Tangier in the Spanish zone was due to a coincidence, the two matters coming up for settlement simultaneously. PARIS, September 2. France’s reply to the Spanish Note regarding Tangier says that the question cannot be connected with the problems which are now being discussed at Geneva. It is impossible to draw up a new statute for Tangier since the Act of Algeciras prescribed a permanent international regime, and therefore the district should remain under the suzerainty of the Sultan of Morocco. The French Government, however, is willing to discuss with Spain and the other States interested a means of reorganising the administration of the zone so as to satisfy Spain in every way, compatible with the observance of the existing treaties. SIR FRANCIS BELL. GENEVA, September 1. Sir Francis Bell was elected chairman of the Hague Court Committee. MEETING OF COUNCIL. LONDON, September 2.

The Spanish representative did not attend the League’s Council meeting. “Whether Spain’s action in withdrawing from the Council will be followed bv her complete secession from the League is not yet certain. In any case,” states the Daily Telegraph, “she is obliged to give two years’ notice of her intention.” An authoritative Spanish official informed the Morning Po6t that Spain would not accept any unguaranteed promise. She was most likely to “go to sleep” pending the international pourparlers regarding Tangier. He added that when she was in possession of Tangier, Spain would resume her League activities, which was very probable within a year. On the other hand, there is jjood ground for stating that the Question of Tangier will not be raised during the League meetings. The Italian delegate, Signor Grandi, stated that Italy does not intend to take the initiative in proposing a Tangier conference at Geneva or ebewhere. Messages from Berlin state that Government circles are confident that Germany solely will be admitted. During a further discussion of Viscount Cecil’s amendment, which took place prior to the meeting of the Council, the members of the Reorganisation Committee did their utmost to satisfy Spain. It was urged that. special mention of Spain’s claim necessitated mention of the claims of Poland and China.

The Chinese delegate declared that China reserved the right to claim a permanent seat. Senor Palacios, the Spanish delegate, demanded an explicit statement that the committee was unable to accede to the Spanish demand for a permanent seat. The discussion was adjourned. Senor Palacios, in an interview, said he regretted the lateness of convening the committee, which gave Spain • no time for consideration before the meeting of the Council, but the incident was not yet closed. If the committee recommended a course satisfying Spain _ the situation might be changed. Otherwise it appeared to bo a first-class burial of the Spanish claim. Spain was awaiting the action of the Council and the Assembly before making the next move. The Council of the League at present comprises 10 members, the permanent members being:—Great Britain, France, Italy, Japan. The six non-permanent members of the Council are elected annually, and those elected last year were: Belgium, Brazil, Czecho-Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Uruguay. The sixth assembly of the League of Nations w - - held at headquarters in Geneva on September 7to 26, 1925. Fifty-three States were represented. The United States, Mexico, Turkey, and Soviet Russia are not memB<jrs of the Leatrue.

SIR FRANCIS BELL’S VIEWS. . GENEVA, September 3. Speaking on the second day’s debate on the United States reservations regarding joining the World Court, Sir Francis Bell dealt clearly and concisely with America’s fifth reservation, to the effect that the Court shall not, without the consent of the United States, entertain any request for an advisory opinion in which the United States, has, claims to have, an interest. Sir Francis said: “The question is whether the terms of the reservation grants to America exceptional privileges or superiority over any of the other signa-

tories. Secondly, if this is true, is it wise or safe for the League to grant these exceptional privileges After dispassionately reviewing the arguments Sir Francis Bell concluded: “Undoubtedly resolution number five does confer superior and exceptional privileges not possessed by members of the League. Whether tney are on the council or not the power of veto and the right to exercise it are two different things. Should any member of the council use the veto as the United States could do if it so desired it would wreck the League. M. Unden (Sweden), suggested a unique compromise, that the resolutions should be accepted, with the reservation that should the American interpretation at any time conflict with the League Council’s interpretation, Washington’s connection with the Court should be severed automatically. ATTITUDE OF SPAIN AND BRAZIL. GENEVA, September 4. The mystery of Spain’s final pronouncement dominated Geneva yesterday. Senor Palacios informed the journalists that he is certainly not attending any more council meetings, and saw no reason for optimism, but the next move was up to Madrid. The belief continued prevalent in Geneva last night that Spain would continue her non-committal attitude, neither withdrawing nor participating. Senor Palacios is remaining in Geneva as an observer. The Brazilian delegate continues in the same capacity. The movement is growing in favour of the election of Spain and Brazil for three years, with eligibility for re-election triennially even though they abstain. THE MANDATES. GENEVA, September 3. As a result of protests against the inquisition concerning the mandated territories, fresh resolutions will be submitted to the commission. Sir Francis Bell and Mr Smit testified "that New Zealand and South Africa were faithfully carrying out the mandates. GERMANY’S ADMISSION. GENEVA, September 4. The last of the difficulties connected with Germany’s entry to the League waa overcome to-day. The Assembly will meet on Monday, but will not deal with the entry of Germany till Wednesday, when her formal admission, accompanied by an offer of a permanent scat on the council, will be decided upon. The German delegates are expected to take their seats on Friday.

To-day’s decision took the form of the adoption by the council of a report by a sub committee, dealing* with the composition of the council, which recommended increasing the number of non-permanent members to nine, including probably both Poland and China. The Spaniards did not attend the council. They returned to Madrid to night, but this is not taken to indicate their final withdrawal from the League.