SESSION OF THE LEAGUE COUNCIL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18407, 8 March 1928, Page 10

SESSION OF THE LEAGUE COUNCIL.

MANY INFORMAL MEETINGS HELD. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. GENEVA, March 7. The session has already become remarkable for the number of informal meetings of groups of States. Such meetings between Foreign Ministers were formerly regarded with suspicion, and evoked protests, but there has been a change since the last Assembly, since Sir Austen Chamberlain emphasises their value, urging that they are in no way encroaching upon the formal discussions of the Council and the Assembly. No fewer than nine such meetings were held yesterday, between representatives of two. three, or even a larger number of States. Some were very fruitful, and culminated in a private conference between Sir Austen Chamberlain, M. Briand (France), Dr Stresemann (Germany), Signor Scialoja (Italy) and Mr Adachi (Japan), when they discussed the St Gothard machine guns and the Little Entente’s charge of gun-running against Hungary. The "Big Five” were unanimously of opinion that too much should not be made of the affair, though it could not be ignored. Therefore, to-day, after a statement from both sides, it will be proposed to appoint a committee of three disinterested delegates to investigate and draw up a report. It is believed that the Little Entente will be placated by the facts being recorded in the League proceedings as a warning against a repetition of dealings in contraband arms. Dr van Blokland (Holland) will offer his good offices to facilitate a settlement of the Poland-Lithuanian dispute. It is declared that the “ Big Five ” have not yet discussed Mr F. B. Kellogg’s outlawry of war Note. Dr Stresemann and M. Briand discussed the Rhineland question, but agreed to postpone it until after the French and German elections. Tho Council discussed the new League palace. Nothing was heard of a proposal to erect it elsewhere than Geneva. It is reported that the original estimate is insufficient, even with gifts, which are numerous and valuable. It is believed that the buildings for the secretariat and the assemblies will cost probably £1,200,000 The Secre-tary-General, Sir Eric Drummond, will not sign any contract until all questions of design are settled.—Aust. and N.Z. Press Assn. an invitation to TURKEY SUGGESTED. GENEVA, March 6. M. Litvinoff has telegraphed from Moscow to the League stating that, on account of Turkey’s importance in international politics and through her geographical situation, the Soviet delegation considers that the Preparatory Conference on Disarmament would gain in importance if Turkey were included, aud suggests that the nation should be invited next session.