British Press Discusses Clash of Council and Mandates Commission

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

The controversy between the League Council and the Permanent Mandates Commission concerning the mandated territories has found a wide echo in the English press.

The “Daily Herald,” Labor organ, in an editorial attacks the British delegation to Geneva, declaring that the statements of Sir Austin Chamberlain, Foreign Secretary, concerning the Permanent Mandates Commission have been widely resented as an insult to the League. Sir Austin’s attitude was interpreted as a hint to the League not to intervene in matters concerning Great Britain unless Great Britain expresses the desire that intervention be made. The attitude of the British delegation shows that the League cannot expect any support for its proper functions from the present British Government, the “Herald” states.

The “Morning Post,” on the other hand, takes a different view of the subject. In an editorial today it states that the Roman Empire managed to rule the civilized world and maintain peace without a system of counting heads and without a “mandate bestowed by the League.” Rome ruled the world to the advantage of its subjects by ignoring matters of detail. The League of Nations is still imbued with the “Trans-Atlantic spirit” which led to its foundation, the “Morning Post” remarks.

The newspaper continues, stating that Sir Austin Chamberlain’s remarks concerning the Permanent Mandates Commission have caused great consternation in certain quarters. If, however, the League of Nations becomes an obstacle, the “home cranks” will swiftly end it. The Permanent Mandates Commission has lately shown signs of its readiness to pronounce judgment on the mandatory power before a proper examination was made.

The paper expresses the hope that the Permanent Mandates Commission will remember the warning of Lord Cecil not to make the task of the Mandatory power, which is a delicate one, too difficult.