COMPLETE ACCORD.

Waikato Times, Volume 99, Issue 16626, 17 October 1925, Page 7

COMPLETE ACCORD.

A SPECIAL ASSEMBLY. TO BE CONVENED IN DECEMBER. VERSAILLES TREATY EFFECTIVE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) LONDON, October 17. A special assembly of the League of Nations will he called after Hie signing of the treaties for the purpose of admitting Germany to the League. Ihis probably will bo in December.

.Mr Chamberlain states that the relations between the European countries had been founded at the Locarno conference on the basis of absolute equality, goodwill and mutual consideration, which would have an immediate repercussion in the furtherance of international pacification.

Dr. Luther (Chancellor of Germany) thanked Mr Chamberlain for all that the latter had done jn connection with the conference, and clinked glasses with him.

M. Briand (French Minister for Foreign Affairs) also congratulated Mr Chamberlain en the success of his efforts. Effective Versailles Treaty.

After luncheon there was a general exodus to the quarters of Signor Mussolini, who had arrived from Milan shortly before the close, of the conference. 'He acknowledged the greetir.gs of the crowd. Mr later formally called on Signor Mussolini.

Dr. Bones (the Gzecho-Slovakian d- legato, said to-day: "At length the Versailles Treaty has become a workable, living pact." The Polish, Czech'o-Slovakian and Gorman jurists assisted the British and French experts to complete the work of the conference. They reached an understanding regarding the eastern arbitration treaty. Mr Chamberlain and M. Briand conferred during the whole of the evening regarding the German proposals as to the evacuation of the Rhineland and the demands regarding Saar. Those metiers may slightly delay the initialling of the treaty, but they are not regarded as serious obstacles. Demands by Germany. Dr. Luther and llerr Strcsemann (the German delegates) were apparently lighting at the eleventh hour fur a written document regarding the concessions made to Germany. It is understood also that the Germans refuse to accept Poland's demand for an application of the principle of arbitration to territorial questions. Last night's meeting between Mr Chamberlain, M. Briand, Dr. Luther, Hcrr Strcsemann ami M. Vandcrvcldo lasted lour hours. It is staled that the western pact is without a time limit, and that any two of the signatories may denounce the pact upon, giving a lengthy notice, two years being mentioned. The Council of the League, however, may decline to allow any such denunciation. Ten Articles in the Pact. The Morning Post's Locarno correspondent states that the final draft" of the pact contains ten articles, the most important of which is Article 2, in which France, Belgium and Germany pledge themselves not to attack or invade each other's territories. This, however, does not apply in two cases; firstly, in the event of this pledge being violated; and secondly, in the event of Articles 42, 4:.'., and 44 of the Versailles Treaty being violated.

Article 42 prohibits the establishment of German fortifications within a neutralised area of 30 miles eastward of the Rhine. Article 43 prohibits the concentration of troops or military manoeuvres within this area. Article 44 refers to paragraph 7 of Article 16 of the League Covenant, which deals with the individual action of nations when the Council is unable to prevent war. Articles 3 to 5 concern the procedure to be taken before the Council of the League in the case of hostilities, and, or, the intervention of the guaranteeing Powers. This intervention must be made immediately in the event of aggression, and is obligatory if the League Council declares that there has been a violation of Articles 42, 43, or 44 of the Treaty of Versailles. Though Britain is not specially mentioned in Article 2, the Times says editorially that the British commitments will be strictly limited, and made subject to conditions when any crisis occurs by the recognition of the British Government that a case for intervention has arisen.

The Times adds lhat the conference has afforded further evidence that tho cause of arbitration is making' real headway in Europe. BERLIN, October 15.

The last detachment of French troops has been withdrawn from (lie Ruhr. This marks the complete evacuation of that region by the military forces nf the Allies.