THE GENEVA CONFERENCE

Waikato Times, Volume 93, Issue 14540, 11 December 1920, Page 5

THE GENEVA CONFERENCE

HURRYING UP THE WORK

ISSUE OF MANDATES URGED,

THE ADMISSION OF AUSTRIA.

(Australian ami N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received December 11, 0.15 a.m. GENEVA, December 10.

In order lu conclude Ibe business by (be 18lh isnl. at the latest, the Assembly lias decided to hold two sessions daily.

The Council’s report on the mandates and the creation of a permanent Commission shows that M. Hymans on November 30 telegraphed to the Allied Powers urging the extreme importance of issuing Hie mandates, and requested Hie necessary information from the Assembly before the end ol the session. He added: “However greatly it had desired to see the Allied Powers agreed upon Hie draft of the mandate, the Council cannot, in default of sucli agreement, indefinitely postpone its obligations under the covenant in regard to the issue of the mandates." **

The Assembly discussed and adopted the report of the sub-committee on the economic weapon. The report, which is merely academic, raises a number of questions which only the permanent Blockade Commission can investigate and determine.

During the Commission’s discussion on the admission of Austria, Mr Milica (Australia) said that he had been convinced by Hie testimony of Austria’s former enemies, but he made one reservation: Germany appeared inclined to make claims on the Pacific islands, and Australia did not wish to risk having enemies established at her doors. He would like to know Austria’s attitude on this question if she is admitted to the League. Subject to this reservation, Australia was entirely favourable to Austria’s admission. CHECK ON EXPENDITURE. EFFORTS PARTLY SUCCESSFUL. INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE URGED (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received February 11, 11.30 a.m. LONDON, December 10. Mr Millcn, who is mainly devoting himself to the Budget Commission this week, in an interview, said that there had been spirited contests between those who are apparently inclined to accept tlie secretariat’s proposals and those 'endeavouring lo impose a check on excessive expenditure. Although it cannot ho said that he regards the safeguards secured a scnlirely satisfactory, certain definite checks have been obtained, and a distinct stop gained by the appointment of a committee tb inquire into the organisation of tlie salaries of thfi secretariat and Hie labour organisation.

There is still a chance of some more equitable apportionment of the expenditure between the members ot the League being evolved, instead of the existing system. Mr Millcn is hopeful of securing relief in regard to Australia’s heavy contribution, but the countries benefiting under Hie postal convention scheme arc fighting vigorously against any alteration. Mr Millcn said that a number of delegates conscious of the difficulties of bilingualism had drafted a resolution suggesting that children be taught their mother tongue and another easy means of international communication. They also ask the secretariat to report next session on the results attending the teaching o' Esperanto.