A.—s

a mandatory power and the other governed under mandate by that power, was mentioned ; but from the remarks of the representatives of the mandatory powers concerned it seems clear that the co-operation is in the administrative field only, and makes for economy. There is no intention of incorporating one territory in the other, and the closer co-operation has no political significance. Somewhat analagous is the problem raised by a resolution of the Legislative Assembly of Southwest Africa for the incorporation of that mandated territory in the Union. The South African representative stated that the matter was being investigated by a Commission and that the questions raised would not be settled without, if necessary, consulting the authorities concerned at Geneva. There was also reference to the mandated territories in the Levant —the suspension of the constitution of Syria, and Jewish immigration in Palestine. There have, however, been no untoward incidents. Japan having quitted the League, there was, of course, no representative of that country able to speak on behalf of the Government in reference to the islands under Japanese mandate, but it is well known that the Parmanent Mandates Commission is concerned at certain aspects of administration and notably at the large sums of money being spent on harbour-works. Western Samoa was not mentioned, and as the next session of the Parmanent Mandates Commission, at which the last report on the administration of Western Samoa would be examined, would shortly begin I felt that any remarks I had to offer should be reserved for a later date. The Sixth Committee's Report is Document A. 50, and on the 24th September the Assembly passed the following short resolution : — " The Assembly — " Having surveyed the activity of the mandatory powers, the Permanent Mandates Commission, and the Council in regard to the execution of the provisions of Article 22 of the Covenant: " Expresses its appreciation of the work accomplished by the mandatory powers and the organs of the League responsible for the supervision of the mandates, and renews the expression of confidence in them voted by previous sessions of the Assembly. " It trusts that their efforts, pursued in a broad co-operative spirit, will bring about that progress which is the essential object of the institution of the mandate." You will observe from the report that the suggestion has been made that the Permanent Mandates Commission should be provided with funds to enable visits to be made to mandated territories. With the present need for economy the suggestion is not likely to be pressed for the time being. Difference between Bolivia and Paraguay. The fratricidal war which raged for so long in the Chaco was happily brought to an end on the 12tli June last. Negotiations for peace between the two countries concerned—Bolivia and Paraguay— were in progress when the Assembly met. For information on the action of the League in connection with the dispute I refer you to Document A. 6. I merely remark in passing that this dispute was essentially one which could have been settled under one or other of the procedures envisaged in the Covenant, given the will. Failure of the League to prevent war, or for some years to bring about a suspension of hostilities between two countries whose inhabitants speak the same language and enioy a common culture, has given the cynics plenty of scope to scoff. The Sixth Committee's report, which came before the Assembly on the 24th September, is Document A. 46. Slavery. " Slavery " was inscribed on the agenda at the instance of the delegation of the United Kingdom. There are references to the matter in Document A. 6. Special interest attached to the debate this year because addiction to slavery was one of the charges brought by one member of the League against another. In opening the debate the representative of Great Britain, suggested that the Advisory Committee of Experts on Slavery should consider to what extent it was able to perform its duties within the present limit of its powers, and he indicated that the rules of procedure would have to be amended sooner or later. He also suggested that the Committee should hold an extraordinary session next year. The problem of slavery is a difficult one because of manners and customs, centuries old, which cannot be abolished by a stroke of the pen. Complete abolition must be a gradual process, consequent upon publicity and enlightenment. So far as the powers possessing colonies are concerned, their interest in the abolition of the scourge is genuine and deep-seated, but, doubtless, there are administrative difficulties to be overcome by degrees. The Sixth Committee's report is Document A. 58, and concludes with the following resolution passed by the Assembly on the 27th September : — " The Assembly — " Having noted the activities of the Council and of the Advisory Committee of Experts on Slavery : " Expresses the hope that the Governments concerned will act on the suggestions and recommendations sent to them by the Council and will communicate the necessary information in order to enable the Committee to perform its task, and " Instructs the Secretary-General to convey the present resolution to the States not members of the League which are parties to the 1926 Slavery Convention." (See also Document C. 159.)

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