Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-03-24
British Commons
Supports Sir Austen
In His Geneva Policy

London, March 23.--(AP)-Aided b.
strong support from Premier Baldwin
who haunted the opposition leaders
with having come In deep mourning te
attend the league Of nations funeral
but found the league very well In
charge Of q skiilful doctor, Sir Austen
Chamberlain In the house Of commons
tonight came victoriously cut Of q
strong attack on his Geneva policy led
by former Premier Lloyd George, The
foreign minister was sustained by q
majority of 1S9.
In order to inaugurate debate on the
recent league of nations proceedings
at Geneva and Sir Austen's part there
in, Mr.. Lloyd George moved . ncduc-
tion In the foreign ONCE estimates,
equivalent to q motion Of censure. At
the end Of the lengthy debate this mo-
ton was defeated 325 to 13s.
Incidentally the prime minister put
the quietus on any idea Of Sir Austen
Chamberlain's removal from the for
sign Office which may have become
current, by taking for granted that
Sir Austen could continue to bring to
fruition the work he began At Lo-
carno.
Through the evening the members
of various parties took part in the dis
eussion. Captain Ashmead- Bartlett
eontended 1t was absurd to put all the
blame on the Brazilian delegate, Mello
Franco, for throwing a monkey
wrench into the business" 1t was well
known on the Continent, he declared,
that the real voice behind it all was
the voice Of Mussolipi."
Captain Ashmead- Bartlett went on
- tol foy h.
tinent was Boosting that it was his
country that stopped the Chamberlain
settlement
Sir Austen Chamberlain today stated
repeatedly that he made no engage
ments'' with NJ. Briand, the French
premier. or the Spanish or Brazilian
Representatives concerning the admis-
sion Of Poland, Spain or Brazil to the
league council.
The term mo engagements" was
challenged By Ramsay Macdonald. for
rner Labor premier. who declared 1t
was eyasiye and left the situation just
as muddled as ever TO the public,
which wanted information about the
foreign seeretary's commitments.
Sir Austen read the instructions
which he had from the government be-
fore starting for Geneva. These We're
that subject to his discretion he was
to make the best arrangements he
could in aceordanee with the develop
nsents in the situation; and that the
Britishspolicy should be based on these
principles:
First, that no change In the council
should be made that would have the
effect Of preventing or delaying the en-
try Of Germany; second, that 1t would
be best that Germany should be a
member Of the council. TO have full
responsibility for any further change
In the council beyond her admission:
third. that the rule that only great
powers should be permanent members
should be maintained in principle;
fourth, that Spain was In special po-
sition and might require exceptional
treatment: fifth. that neither Poland
nor Brazil should have permanent
seats at present but that Poland
should be given non-permanent seat
as soon as possible.
Mr.. Lloyd George and other leaders
Of the opposition were blamed by Sir
Austen for infiaming public opinion
through the press in such a manner
that the Geneva negotiations were
greatly handicapped.