BRITAIN CRITICISED

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17142, 18 September 1926, Page 6

BRITAIN CRITICISED

IRELAND’S LEAGUE SEAT SOUTH AFRICAN SUPPORT SOME OUTSPOKEN COMMENT (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Tress Assn.) (Australian and j\ T .Z. Cable Association.) (Received Sept. 18, 2 p.m.) GENEVA. Sept. 17. As mi outcome of Ireland's candidature for a Council seat it is likely that Ireland, Canada, and South Africa will take concerted measures at the Imperial Conference to impress their viewpoint of dominion status. ft is understood that at Mr. Austen Chamberlain’s meeting with the Dominion delegates after the voting South Africa, deeply resented the official British attitude and said the Empire should have supported its own candidate.

Mr. Sin it admits that he strongly backed up Ireland, and told Sir Austen that. Britain and the rest of the Dominions should have done the same. It is understood that Air. Smit alleged that only Canada and South Africa voted for Ireland.

It appears that Mr. Smit conferred with the British Dominions’ delegates, suggesting a block vote for Ireland, and pointing out that Canada and South Africa did not desire a seat because they were at present far removed from European polities, whereas Ireland was closely connected with them. A time might come when they, 100, would be immersed. Meanwhile, Canada and South Africa desired recognition. Tho Dominions were perfectly entitled to such a seat when they‘wanted it, but at present had unequal rights on the Council with others. He admitted that the Dominions were able to express their views to a small degree through the Empire representative, but were voiceless if they desired to act differently from Britain. Mr. Emit suggested that Britain could have enlisted many pro-Ireland votes, and virtually ensured the election, “whereas,” Mr. Smit says indignantly, “she preferred Czechoslovakia,” .