Nov. 19.
No impatience should be felt at the failure of the Council of the League to arrive at som thing definite as a result of the private discussions which took place during the second day of the resumed s ion in. Paris. Considering how apart Japan and China are at 2 present moment, with) repr seeking' peace at Paris—or at Toast. it is to be hoped so, and justifiably, from their presence there—and their military commanders proceeding with hostilities in the frozen areas of Manchuria, it is a little difficult to understand how an early adjustment of even the preliminary points raised before the Council at Geneva and unsettled at the time of its adjournment in October could be expected. French Press opinion seems to be in favour of the League now adopting the role of conciliator, which it would seem is.a little difficult for it to adopt now, in view of the appeal originally made by China, its own actions, and the very determined attitude adopted by Japan.
The Council's decision that. had not sufficient data to justify them coming to a conclusion regarding the treaties the recognition of which is the Sfth of the fundamental principles upon which Japan insists, is hardly likely to be favourably received by Japan. It seems to be begging the question, and the suggestion that a great Advance would be made if the actual' points in dispute were isolated, is not calculated to earn any hearty endorsement from Tokyo. Nor will it serve
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.