11 SEPTEMBER 1926, Page 2

On Wednesday Germany was accepted as a member of the

League and as a permanent member of the Council. This very important event marks the end of the period in which the League was open to the reproach that it was merely a committee of conquerors. We earnestly hope that Germany will prefer the great ideal to the small, and will play her part in the League as a nation intent upon obtaining peace in Europe. If so she will have to minimize her own immediate grievances in order to enjoy later the greater benefits of a settled peace. Meanwhile Lord Cecil's scheme, which has been adopted, for increasing the number of non- permanent members of the Council from six to nine; and for creating within that number a semi-permanent class, has come in for much criticism, particularly in Scandinavian countries. This criticism must be treated with great respect, as no more sincere and wise supporters of the League are to be found than in Scandinavia.