CABLES.
(THROUGH BETTER'S AGENCY.} LEAGUE COUNCIL
· CONTROVERSY. DISCUSSION IN HOUSE OF COMMONS.
FORDION SECRETARY'S APPEAL FOR A TRE HAND.
LONDON, March 4th. There was a crowded house and pack. ed galleries when the House of Commons assembled to-day in anticipation of the "keenly-awaited statement on the League
Council question.
A
UNRULY MEMBER'S STIPENSION,
There was
& preliminary thrill at question-time, resulting from the sus ension of the Labour member, Mr. Neil McLean, who, being dissatisfied with an answer by the Minister for Pensions to his question, persisted in supplementary questions, and disregarded the Speaker's
admonitions.
Sir W. Joynson Hicks moved the Member's suspension which was carried by 151 votes to 40.
11
FOREIGN SECRETARY'S SPEECH. Sir Austen Chamberlain, speaking on Mr. Baldwin's motion for an adjourn ment to discuss the League Council isane, emphasised at the outset his con- sciousness of the delicacy of the occasion, The forthcoming meeting of the League had aroused much interest and) anxiety in Britain and abroad that the Government felt it was right that a statement should be made before their representative went to Geava. He hoped to give satisfaction to the House with- out increasing anybody else's difficulties, and he hoped that the House itself
BRITISH POLICY.
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS,
MR. LLOYD GEORGE'S KYQUIRY,
member in the event of absence of agree ment among all the parties, of which Germany was one
Sir Austen Chamberlain then recalled - Mt. „Lloyd-George interposed with the a recent speech of "Dr. Atresemann, in question whether that meant that Bri which he mentioned that a portrait oftain would oppose the addition of any Lord Castlereagh was hung in the For eign Office room when the Locarno Treaty was signed. Dr. Stresemann
Sir Auston Chamberlain replied that rightly inferred that Lord Castlereagh's he was not prepared to go beyond the post-Napoleonic policy still guided the statement he had made-(Ministerial British Government, which was using the cheers and ironical Labour "Oli ")- League of Nations as an instrument as After full consideration by the Govern Lord Castlereagh used the Conferencement the essential principle for Britain of Powers. That policy was to protect was that the fruits of Locarno should the world against repetition of the evils be reached and nothing be done to which it suffered and from the dan-pravent Germany from entering the gera from which it had just escaped. League, and, simultaneously, to welcome back yesterday's enemy to the concert of nations to work towards reconciliation, friendship and cordiality.
The guiding principle of the British representatives at Geneva must, there fore. "be that they would be party to nothing endangering the success of Lo- carno or rendering it impossible for Ger- many, at the last moment, to enter the League,
to
Sir Austen said that if he pleaded with his countrymen to allow their re- presentative some latitude in the discus- ions it was because he wanted stretch out the band to others and sco them stretch their hands to him, and not have his hands tied, so that his most friendly gesture was futile. He cited a speech by Dr. Vaadervelde that the Belgias delegates would be unfettered, sad said that Dr. Vandervelde had in dicated his general attitude-(Labour cries Why don't you? He was quite frank.")
Sir Austen concluded by appealing to the House to leave him free to meet his friends and colleagues in the great Coun- cil of Nations and, to seek a solution not by, recewing or prolonging difficul ties, not by recreating and increasing suspicion, but by making the meeting an other step in the progress of recon ciliation and appeasement.-(Ministerial
cheers.)
'LABOUR LEADER'S REPLY.
As regards the composition of the Coun- cil Sir Austen Chamberlain remarked that there were as many different opinions, As there were members of the League, and it was impossible to say how their differing opinions could be reconciled. There would be little chance of agree
Mr. Ramsay MacDonald said he was ment, "if the only machinery of solution' were an exchange of diplomatic Notes frankly dissatisfied with the statement, The very object of the creation of the which lacked realistic detail. He was League was to afford an opportunity for not disquitted at the spontaneous rising up of certain countries in claiming per- personal intercourse with a view to seekmanent seats, but because those countries He declared that the Government had ing and finding methods of solution had been encouraged daily to go on. which would never emerge from con- allowed Poland to pursue enquiries and troversial writing.
approach Government after Government, while Britain stood by apparently without opinion. We had been told that on account of the delicate and difficult claims being carried to a point which involves the honour of the nations mak- ing them, that it is inexpedient and wrong for the House to tie Sir Austen Chamberlain's hands. That was a situa- tion which the House had a perfect right to reject.-(Labour cheers). This was no new of an issue or situation on which the nation was so united. "We can run
THE CURSE OF EUROPE.
SATURDAY, MARCH 6TH, 1926
BELGIUM AND GENEVA,
BRUSSELS, March 5th. At the Chamber debate on the foreign Rudget, in response to a request to make
definite statement regarding Geneva, M. Vandervelde opined that two nations ought to be represented on the Council, namely Belgium, who is already there, and Poland who is not yet represented.
"It would be shocking if Belgium left the Council while Germany entered it, and it we were unable to defend our interests. while our neighbours cant could do so."
PAISH CRITICISM.
-Eod
LONDON, March 5th. The nerves of the London Press are evidently frayed with uncertainty at what will happen at Gerova, and Sir Austen Chamberlain's plea for ♣ commital attitude regarding any dehnite plan of action on the part of the British représentatives has hardly been received in the true Locarno spirit" by Fleet
Street...
DUTCH POLITICS.
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES. N NEW CABINET.
THE HATE March.dth
Jonkheet D. J. de Geor, an ex-Minister
FAR EASTERN CABLE NEWS.
[THROUGE BLUTER'S. ADENCY.] THE LEAGUE COUNCIL.
SEAT.
of Finance and a member of the Chris- CHINA'S CLAIM TO A PERMANENT tian Historical Party, whom the Queen charged to form an extra-Parliamentary Cabinet, has done so is follows:-
GENEVA, March 4th China has formally applied for a per- Joakbeer de Geer, Premier and Minis"
tor of Finance,
manent seat on the Council of the League. Jonkheer H. A. Van Karnebeek, Minis-of Nations. The application is signed by
Chao Hain Chu.
ter for Foreign Affairs. Heer Donner, Minister of Justice. Heer Kan, Minister for the Interior.
it says that the Chinese Government, Heer Warink, Minister for Educa
tion..
in "formulating the request, takes its Professor Van Royen, of the Technical stand on the international status que
College, Delft Minister for War and Navy, ad interim,
and the importance of China compared Heer Van Derwegte, Minister of Water with other Powers. The Chinese Govern-
ways and Railways.. Senator Slotermaker Dobruvne, Minis-ment further considers, 'in such repre- ter of Labour, Commerce and In-station, that China is a Power which dustry. Heer Koningsberger, ex-President of occupies the greatest area on the Asiatic
the Chamber of Deputies of the
Dutch Indies Minister for the Continent, possesses a quarter of thà Colonies
total population of the globe, has un- The Cabinet thus comprises twe, Chris-limited resources, considerable economic "He told the House nothing" grimlytian Historicals, two Anti-Revolution-powers and has distinguished itself by asserts the Daily Herald, in describing aries, three Liberals and one' Catholic, its ancient öivilisation and traditional, the Foreign Secretary's speech as 息
whilst Jonkheer Van Karaebeek is non-culture which could only enhance party.
effency of the League. masterpiece of wordly evasion, while the Daily News finds it almost alarmingly unsatisfactory and justifying the gravest
noxiety.
The Westminster Gazette avers the gist ia very unfortunate statement,” to place the onus on Germany.
INDIAN COTTON.
MILL OWNERS' PRESIDENT AND JAPANESE COMPETITION: Presiding at the annual meeting of the Millowners' Association, Sir R. A. The Morning Post says "It would Wadia, referring to his recent visit to indeed be ironical if we have a new Lancashire, said he went to England World War on the best means of main- simply to state the facts in regard to taining
peace,"
and suggests that Japanese competition and to ask Lanca- Germany might demonstrate her goodshire to make common cause in fighting intentions and magnanimity by waiving a common foe.
would be mindful of the situation and will not contenance in any circumstance; situation which has arisen by those her objections to the admission of other ciation must consider what further steps
be careful in what it said of the sus ceptibilities of other powers.
There is one solution which Britain it will not be a party to re-creating in the Council, camps of opposing forces which were the curse of Europe before the war." Moreover, any such attemp:
would be futile, since one vate more dr
on all essential
matters.
Sir Austen Chamberlain then dealt with the arguments in favour of the
far."
nations to the Council.
On the contrary the Daily Telegraph bus mildly cheered the reflection of Sir Austen Chamberlain that he will not be
defeat of the purpose for which the League Assembly is specially summoned, namely, the admission of Germany.
THE NORTHERN WAR.
CHRISTIAN GENERAL ASSUMES COMMAND.
PERING, March 4th. The rival armies near. Tientsin, are, manoeuvring for position. There has hech no fighting during the last few days
Wu Pei. Fo's forces hare met with virtually no opposition as for 4.4. Pao- Now that the cotton tingfü, whither Feng Yu Hsiang, how- excise duty had been removed, the Asso-ever, is sending four fresh Divisiona
According to Kuominchun reports, could be taken if the present unfair Marshal Feng is shortly to establish bis Japanese competition continued. The in-headquarters at Ralgan, thas openly as dustry did not require protection as it is suming command of the Euominchun generally understood; what was wanted armies in the field.
petition from countries which did not observe the Labour Conventions: Sir R.
THE INTERNATIONAL CONTROVERST. Sir Austen Chamberlain then proceed- ed to point out that the meeting at Geneva was two-fold. Firstly, it was the less is useless in a Council where an question of party feeling, and he never party to any decision resulting in the was to be guarded against unfair com- ordinary quarterly meeting of the Counanimity is necessary cil and, secondly, it was an extraordi- nary session of the Assembly, called in consequence of Germany's application to join the League. He said that he and Viscount Cerita He said that his would be principal
affection to that he had attended every for the League was evidenced meeting of the Council since he becatre Foreign Secretary. It was very close to his heart that during his tenure of the Foreign Ofice he should carry the general sentimens of the nation with him and, he confessed that it was not with out grave anxiety that he had watched the progress of the international con- ever this arisen troversy which had question.
A NEGLECTED VIEWPOINT
The representatives of the nations who net ut Geners were naturally inspired
abolition of the need for unanimity, and exceptional occasions majority decisions expressed the opinion that while on most
animity to prevent intrigue and to pre might be desirable, he favoured vent the Council being denatured for the purpose of creating & majority to obtain any particular decision. doubted whether anyone who had ever represented Britain was prepared to assert that the Council should always retain its original form. Impatience in the Assembly with the settled re-election of some temporary members bad been growing and he doubted whether the Aserably would have been content to re-elect them last year if they had not known that the whole subject was short ly to be reviewed. The question" was
this doctrine of the free hand a bit too He went on to ask what was to be the degree of Sir Austen Chamberlain's freedom. Was he free in islation to any pledge or promise he had given re- garding what he was going to do,at - Was he pledged Spain, to Poland and to Brazil! He was unable to imagine a more inopportune moment even to talk about further admissions; He дог ♪ more unfortinate diplomatic method when admitting a new State than to give opportunity for mischievous Continental newspapers to say that this was a make-weight or counter-balancing. force. Nothing was more calculated to encourage suspicion that the Council was directed against Locarno. He argued it would be an injustice to the other na- tions themselves to admit them at pre- sent. For example, it would be unfair to recognise the Spanish claim if re- cognition was part of a bargain causing Spain to enter under a cloud of su picior. He demanded that Britain at Geneva should deal with one question aldhe, namely, the admission of Ger- тапу.
essentially one for common discussion and a solution which was the outcome of the interchange of ideas and the free play of thought.
BRITAIN FAVOURS SPANISH CLAIM. But membership of the Council should be kept within manageable bounds, and it was equally important that the Coun cil, should be sufficiently aumerous to make it fairly representative of the whole body of States in the League. But an increase in the permanent seats must scrupulously be examined. Britain had
is ME. LLOYD GEORGE ON FOISON IN LOVING CUP."
The Daily Chronicle says: "Sir Aurten Chamberlain has blundered, but he has now had an opportunity of casing the temper, of the country and the Commons, and we hope at Geneva he will be able to interpret it generously and accurately."
·
LATER
The Manchester Guardian, which re- gards the position as highly unsatisfac- tory, says Mr. Stanley Baldwin came for nearer than Sir Austen Chamberlain in
A. Wadia urged the Government of India to adopt same such measure as the Safe- guarding of Industries Act but added that in doing so, he must not be taken to mean that he made ang bargain with Lancashire in regard to giving Imperial Preference.
BRITISH AIRMEN.
TO ABANDON KARAGHT-LONDON
FLIGHT.
KARACHI, March 4th. After struggling against sandstorms and mist Flight Lieut. Oliver and Flying
expressing a plain commcnaense view of Officer Brooks, who were flying to the situation, and if the Foreign Secretary London have been forced to land on the acts in the spirit of Mr. Baldwin's speech Persian coast seventy miles east of Jaak
It has been be should come to little harm, and adds owing to engine trouble. if M. Baldwin himself were going to
decided to abandon the flight.
Carno, March 4th. Geneva, the free hand which the Govern-
The Air Force fliers have arrived at ment demanded would lose much of its
Khartoum..... dangers.
by tac feelings and traditions and in Lerents of their own countries, but if the League was to grow in influence and power, as he was happy to think it had grown more rapidly of late, they must, as M. Briand had said, not merely speak their own language, but the language of Europe, and indeed of the world. He thought this viewpoint had been neglect ed is much of the controversy carried on in the press of different countries, but he was encouraged to hope for Batter things from the moderation of the state menta made by the representatives of the nations most closely concerned. He in. not "taken up the position that it was pledged to vote for Poland's admission; weeks proceedings. No clear answer was impossible to increase the permanent and Japan had said she would accom seats except on the entry Germany, the pany the majority. Mr. Lloyd George, United States or Russia. He recalled summed up the Britial attitude as be- that there was a private meeting of the ing "If France and other nations agree Council four years ago at which Britain and can bully Germany into surrend supported the claim of Spain, and neing, I will acquiesce."
stanced in this connection the speeches of Dr. Luther, M. Briand, M. Skrzynski and Dr. Vandervelde, all giving evidence of the same sense of the difficulty and delicacy of the situation, and proof of the same moderation of outlook and the earnest desire to arrive at an agres ment acceptable to all..
CAUSE OF BRITISH ANXIETY.
Mr. Lloyd George confessed to a feel-
The Times remarks that the effect of ing of disappointment and uneasiness
Sir Austen Chamberlain had the debate has not completely alloyed that absolutely refused to give one definite
that mattered. France was the general uneasiness regarding next anawez
given on the essential question as re- gards the time
[RAUTER'S AMERICAN SERVI
STOCK MARKET.
AMERICAN RAILWAY SHARES
RALLY
La Chung Lia left for the front this morning, announcing his intention to attack Li Ching Lin.
WAR LEADERS ACTIVE.
SHANGHAI, March 5th. Reports of fighting in Honan and around Tientsin show, that We Fei Fe and Chang To Lin have hitherto gained
considerable successes in combination against the Kuominchun.
The new Cabinet contains supporters both of Tuan Chi Jui (who as Chief Executive is practically President), and Feng Yu Hsing, as well as certain well- known non-party men, such as W. W. Yen. mentioned in a previous message, means The appointment of Feng Yu, Hsiang,
that the Government are recalling him to fight the Wu Fei Fu-Chang Too Lin com-
bination.
Feng Yu Hsiang's Second "Army bas already suffered a severe defeat in Hons. bat his First Army, which is well dis ciplined, is now coming into action in the vicinity of Tientsin..
PERING, March 5th It is doubtful whether Yen will accept the Foreign Minister's portfolio, which was mandated without his consent.
CHINESE POLITICS, # NEW YORK, March 4th.. and occasion for
THE NEW PEKING CABINET. Strong buying support was evidenced possible increase in the membership of
at the opening of the Stock market and
PERINO, March 4th. the Council. saw nothing that had happened since to It was poison in a loving cup-the
prices rallied briskly from yesterday's Three mandates were issued this morn make the Government change its attitude poison of suspicion. Proceeding, Mr. There is really no effective answer to quotation. Initial gains were recorded ing appointing Feng Yu Hrang, Chia regarding that claim in principle-(On-Lloyd George demanded Sir Austen Mr. Lloyd George's reminder that the by Steel Common, General Motors Teb Yao and the Cabinet as in the fore- position cries of "Oh "-though the Chamberlain to give at least bis own time when that claim should be pressed personal, opinion. He appealed to the policy of waiting to see what happens Hudson was was not dealing now.
LABOUR LEADER' INTERJECTION..
BOGVST.
Motors and the Erie Railroad"
different question with which he Government to give effect to British at Geneva may be carried too far bu at the same time liquidation is proceed. f cast yesterday, with the single alteration
Mr. Ramsay Macdonald intervened who had cherished their claims which had and asked if Sir Austen Chamberlain been put off on account of the momentary meant that no such claim could be, ad- inexpediency of changing the composi-mitted in March 1
opinion which intended to give a fair deal to Germany, and
pursue its a great self respecting nation, and that traditional policy of fair playin
a frank and indisputable declaration Europe.
of the British attitude at this moment. might go far to determine the issue.
PREMIER'S CONVICTION. Mr. Baldwin, replying on the debate, recognised the existence of solid British public opinion and he wished it had been possible to insist on Germany's admis-
FRENCH FINANCES.
DEBATE PROCEEDING AT
BNAIL'S PACE,
PARIS, March 4th, M. Briand's hope that the Finance Bill will be passed by both Houses of Parliament before he leaves for Geneva en Saturday is likely to be disappointed unless the Chamber speeds up matters.
The Government shared the widely-felt regret that those large isanes as regards the composition of the Council had arison on this occasion. We have notį raised it and we have not instigated Sir Austen Chamberlain, then dwelt anyone to raise it at this time. He did on the merits of increasing the non- not say it was the fault of anybody, permanent seats, and proceeded to refer and hu thought it was inevitable. He to the jealousy with which permanent referred to the frequency with which the additions ought to be made. But he question of the composition of the Coun reiterated that they were not prepared cil had come up before the Assembly, to say a priori that.no much claim could
be admitted in any circumstances whatsion alone in March, but that was be- pointing out that the main claims now advanced were not now raised for the
yond our power. He deprecated the agitation which had sprung up because first time. It was only natural that those
it was contrary to the Locarno spirit and was beginning to create two camps, one' on the side of France and the other on tion. of the Council, ahould renew those Sir Austen replied "No," adding that the side of Germany. He said that claims when the question" appeared on the Government would have "preferred apart from the pledge given to Spain, the agenda owing to the entry of a new that these further questions should not which was not accompanied by conditions nation. If he rightly understood the be raised at present but, if a way to regarding time or occasion, Britain had cause of the anxiety of the British peace were found by common agreement not given pledges or obligations to any nation, it was not that we opposed for any particular admission they cer country. He declared that the Govern change in the Council or any addition tainly would not oppose or reject that ment was sending Bir Austen Chamber- thereto," and not that we desired a priori admission on the ground that they would lain and Viscount Cecil who deserved the The debate is at present proceeding at
There are
sixty-six to reject any particular claim without have preferred to discuss the question confidence of the country. The Governail's pac discussion; but it was due to surprise in September.-(Labour cries of "Ob.") ment was convinced that when they re articles and the present rate of voting is He mentioned that the German Am turned, mepicious and, fritical members one every two hours. Tas Dopaties are it the opening of the question now, and the fear lest the opening of the question bassador had to day communicated his would be the first to acknowledge that femisting in moving uncssential amend would endanger the results of Locarno, anxious wish to see him, as his Govern- they held high the honour of their coun- ments mostly without chance, of adoption, Perhaps it was especially due to a sense ment desired a meeting of the representry and built another stone in the templa every day's delay costs the State twenty According to tho Reporter General, that there was something in the air which tatives of the Powers a Locarno, con-
million franca was not fair play--(Bome Conservative versation-before the opening of the cheers and loud Labour cheers)-some- Couzeil Ho (Bir Austen), hnd kindly thing of which ors Power might rightly concurred and said he reminded the Am complain, something which was re-bassador that a fortnight ago he (Bir pugnant to the spirit of the game as Austen) had communicated to the Ger- we were accustomed to play it in State maa Government the earnest hope that affairs, as in other activities of life. they would meet at Geneva before the
decisions were taken: (Some Conservative cheers).
of peace of Europa. --
THE DIVISION,İG MOR
7.
At the conclusion of the debate, the Opposition challenged a division on the. motion for adjournment, which was de feated by 224 votes to 14. This was tantamount to a pro-Government majority of 100.
FOOTBALL AT HOME.
LONDON, March 4th. In the third division (South) of the English League, Queen's Park Rangers drow with Boulbend, two goals all.
ing in
few scattered issues,
that Lu Tsin is Minister of Justice in-
̈À SPECULATIVE MOVEMENT.
stead of Tang Xi New York, March 4th
The new members include W. W. Yen, Commenting on the recent unusual Yang Wen Kai, Chu Yung Kuang and trading on the stock market, Mr. Hoover declared it an intermediate movement of Lu Hain. Yang Wen Kai was recently a character which was usually no index Sun Chuan Fang's Chief of Staff: Chu of the condition of the country. The un-Yung Kuang is non-party beyond being precedented sales represented only a spe
culative movement. He added that all & follower of Tuan Chi Ju- the criterions on which real economic stability was based were reported to be. favotirable.
BIG U.S. LOAN.
FOR THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF BAVARIA
A preliminary mandate accepts the re- signations of Hau Shih Ying and his colleagues.
It is interesting to note that for threo nights, March 10th, 20th and 21st, Mr.- R. R. Salsbury is presenting as a musical NEW YORK, March 4th.
comedy company at the Star Theatre, Arrangements have been completed by New York hankers for a twenty year Kowloon, "The Quainta, a newly re
5,000,000 loan to the Roman Catholic eruited company of entertainers, indad- Church of Bavaria.Roman
This is the first long term public toang some old favourites. There will be to be negotiated in. Wall Street by a produced "The Sport of King's by lan religious organisation
Hay, which is said to be the greatest racing comedy over written, and that popular West End production, the recent musical comedy No, No Nanette"! The Company after performing at the Star Theatre go to the North and 'will' give a longer season in the Colony when it returns from Shanghai and Japan Booking opens on Monday of Moutrie's
AMERICAN BANK MERGER.
-NEW YORK, March 4th. A merger is announced between the National City Bank of New York and the People's Trust Company of Brooklyn, The combined resources amounted to $1,291,000,000.