LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Southland Times, Issue 19502, 17 March 1925, Page 7

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

GERMANY’S ADMISSION EQUAL FOOTING ASSURED MEETING OF THE COUNCIL (By Teiegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Reuter’s Telegrams.) GENEVA, March 15. Replying to Germany's Note to the League of Nations, the Council notes with satisfaction the decision to seek early admission, and reassures Germany that she will be on a footing of equality with the other members. The Council points out that the essence of the League’s constitution is equal rights and equal obligations. This principle is applied to Germany’s reservation as regards non-participation in punitive undertakings. MILITARY MEASURES. The reply explains the character and extent of any member’s active co-operation in military measures in pursuance of the Covenant which very with the military position of the members concerned, and recalls that the Council recommends the help to be contributed by the respective Powers. Germany will be able to say to what extent she is able to comply with such a recommendation.

The Council explicitly declares that the reservation whereby one of the members retains neutrality in connection with collective operations undertaken by the League against a Covenant-breaking State undermines the basis of the League and is incompatible with membership.

The reply was read and approved of by the League Council without discussion. After disposing of the remaining questions thhe session terminated. OTHER MATTERS DISCUSSED.

It was decided to refer the question of the Council’s competence to deal with the Greek appeal in connection with the expulsion of the Patriarch to the World Court for an opinion, in view of Turkey’s contention that the matter was one of domestic concern.

A report regarding the results of the second Opium Conference was approved. The Secretary-General was authorised to take the necessary steps to secure the adhesion to the convention, inter alia, of Afghanistan, Soviet Russia, Hedjaz, Mexico, and Sudan.

With reference to. the League’s right to investigate armaments in any countries, the Council passed a resolution providing for the exercise of investigation by the Council.