LATEST NEWS LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Waikato Times, Volume 90, Issue 14050, 1 May 1919, Page 5

LATEST NEWS LEAGUE OF NATIONS

ANOTHER CRITICAL SITUATION. BELGIUM THREATENS TO WITHDRAW. DISSATISFIED WITH REPARATION. (United Service.l Received May i, 12.35 a.m. PARIS, April 29. Another critical situation has developed. Six Belgian Ministers are in Paris as the result of a meeting of Cabinet, at which the reparation scheme was strongly denounced. The Belgians claim that an immediate large indemnity is essential in order to avoid a serious internal crisis and enable reconstruction work to proceed. The Cabinet threatens to withdraw from the Conference if the scheme is not modified so as to provide that Belgium receive priority in the initial payments and her whole share of the indemnity within ten years. The Council of Three will receive the Belgians to-day. SENATOR LODGE’S OPPOSITION. MUST BE FURTHER AMENDMENTS. BEFORE ACCEPTABLE TO HEPUBLICANS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received May 1, 9.10 a.m. NEW YORK, April 30. The New York Times’ Washington correspondent says that Senator Lodge, who is the Majorit/ leader in the Senate, has issued a statement that the League covenant will not be acceptable unless further amended. The correspondent adds that bitter fighting in the Senate against the covenant is contemplated, although many Republicans are for the League. MR WILSON TO BE FIRST PRESIDENT. (Received May 1, 1.50 p.m.) PARIS. April 29. The first meeting of the League of Nations, will be held in Washington in the autumn, when Mr. Wilson will be elected 1 president. Thirteen neutrals have notified their intention of being present.. It is expected that, , enemy powers will then be admitted. Sir .Eric Drummond’s salary is £SOOO, , with £SOOO for expenses.