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1935. NE W ZEALAND.

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS. REPORT OF THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DOMINION OF NEW ZEALAND ON THE FIFTEENTH ASSEMBLY OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS, HELD AT GENEVA, IN THE YEAR 1934.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of Ilis Excellency.

FIFTEENTH ASSEMBLY OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS. New Zealand Government Offices, 415 Strand, London W.C. 2, Ist October, 1934. I Lave the honour to inform you that the Fifteenth Session of the Assembly of the League of Nations was opened in Geneva on Monday, 10th September, by M. Benes, the Foreign Minister of Czechoslovakia, who was then presiding over the Council of the League. Opening of Proceedings. In his speech M. Benes gave an account of some of the principal activities of the League during the preceding year. When striking a balance between the whole of the debit and the whole of the credit items in the general situation, he stated " that the result was not discouraging for the League of Nations." In what one may call the administrative field there is undoubtedly progress and encouraging results, but it is in the political field that accomplishment is meagre and disheartening. The virtual failure of the Disarmament Conference (still in being, although not sitting), the retirement of Germany and Japan from the League, and the meagre results of the .London Economic and Monetary Conference have furnished ammunition to those who have no faith in the efficacy of the methods for which the League stands. On the other hand, the League's friends, although disappointed and sorrowful, do not despair. An absence from Geneva of four years has enabled me to view the work of the League with a fresh eye. I think it a matter for congratulation that the uncertainties and difficulties in the present state of international relationships have not impaired to any vital extent the League's power for good ; indeed, it is a consolation to know that, in these troublous times, there is an instrument, imperfect though it be, for international use, and a place where the nations of the world can discuss affairs of common interest. The sceptics by no means have it all their own way. The abolition or ending of the League would be a misfortune for the world. ... , The early meetings of the Assembly are formal. The constitution provides for the creation of a General Committee of the Assembly, consisting of the President, six Vice-Presidents, the Chairman of Committees (this year, as last, reduced to five in number, the Third Committee, which deals with Disarmament, not having been constituted), the Chairman of the Agenda Committee, and the Chairman of the Credentials Committee. . To fill the office of President of the Assembly choice fell on M. Sandler, the Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs and the chief delegate of his country. M. Sandler is well known in Geneva, and he has been several times the representative of his country, which is a firm adherent of the League and a valuable member. The chief representatives of the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Austria, India, and Yugoslavia were elected Vice-Presidents, and the following were appointed Chairmen of Committees : First Committee.. .. .. •• Count Raczynski (Poland). Second Committee . . ■ • • • Mr. R. B. Bennett (Canada). Fourth Committee .. • • • • Count Carton de Wiart (Belgium). Fifth Committee .. • ■ . . M. Roberto Levillier (Argentine). Sixth Committee .. ■ • .. M. de Madariaga, (Spain). Agenda Committee .. . • .. M. Lozoraitis (Lithuania). Credentials Committee .. .. ~ M, Bado (Uruguay),

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