From what I hear in various quarters I doubt whether
the various obstacles to Russia's admission to the League of Nations are all removed yet. Quite apart from the eleventh-hour rumour of the opposition of Argentina, which, as a Council member could break the Council unanimity necessary for the grant of a permanent Council seat, Poland's attitude is still un- certain. Poland wants a permanent seat herself, and if she claims one Spain and the Argentine will be bound to do the same. That may, indeed, provoke a crisis which will give the Poles the chance of a magnanimous withdrawal. In the Assembly Switzerland, which can listen to no reason where Russia is concerned, will vote against, and Holland, perpetually irritated by Soviet propaganda in the Dutch East Indies, may. But only a two-thirds majority in the Assembly is needed. Few men have spent their lives for their poorer neigh- bours more devotedly and unostentatiously than Frank Briant, whose death means a by-election in North Lambeth. Living at the Alford House Institute, in the middle of his constituency, he knew local government— as a member of the L.C.C., the Borough Council, the old Guardians and the new Public Assistance Committee, the Old Age Pensions Committee, to say nothing of the House of Commons—as well as he knew human lives. As an M.P. he was quiet and unassuming, but on his own subject authoritative by reason of his complete knowledge of it. The by-election will be important, since it is the first time in this Parliament that a Liberal seat has had to be defended. Briant's personal popularity counted for a great deal in votes and the Liberal candidate, whoever he may be, will be fortunate if he gets home with a narrow majority.
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