21 SEPTEMBER 1934, Page 6

M. Litvinofrs assumption of his place as chief delegate of

Russia in the League of Nations Council and Assembly awakens memories. Of making contact with M. Litvinoff from time to time as he trudged to the Golders Green Tube Station some fifteen or sixteen years ago, when he was living in the Hampstead Garden Suburb with his English wife. And of discussions, twelve years ago at Genoa, with M. Litvinoff's predecessor M. Chicherin, on the terms on which Soviet Russia would enter the League. There were two conditions, he told me. All Council members must be on an equality—all elected—no permanent seats. And delegates to the Assembly must be elected by the tote of Parliaments, not appointed by Governments. But that was a dozen years ago. Russia's conditions have long since been waived, The thing that mattered was to get there. And she has. ▪ *