BACK TO THE JUNGLE?

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 May 1938, Page 7

BACK TO THE JUNGLE?

LEAGUE OF NATIONS’ DEBATE ON ABYSSINIA

Mr Jordan Vigorously Opposes Lord Halifax

RETREAT FROM COLLECTIVE SECURITY ALLEGED

By Telegraph—Press Association.—Copyright.

(Recd This Day, 10.10 a.m.)

GENEVA, May 12. Speaking in the Abyssinian debate, Mr W. J. Jordan (New Zealand High Commissioner) vigorously opposed Lord Halifax and said this return to the laws of the jungle was a direct denial of the League’s principles and another retreat from the principle of collective security. “New Zealand,” said Mr Jordan, “stands by the non-recognition resolution and still considers it most necessary that the Covenant remain in force. She deplores anything weakening it. There is no justification for granting individual States a choice in this question.” Dr. Wellington Koo (China) deprecated force in the settlement of an international crisis. China did not subscribe to Britain’s proposals. M. Comnen (Rumania), on behalf of the Little Entente, supported England and France. After the adjournment, delegates agreed that the debate was one of the saddest in the history of the League.

NO RESOLUTION SUBMITTED.

BRITISH VIEWPOINT FAVOURED BY MAJORITY. / (Recd This Day, 10.25 a.m.) GENEVA, May 12. M. Munters, declaring the debate closed, said a majority of the Council favoured the British viewpoint. No resolution was submitted.