A SPECTATOR'S NOTEBOOK
THE question of whether Russia will actually apply for membership of the League of Nations during the Assembly next September seems to be still hanging in the balance, though there is no question that relations between Moscow and Geneva are more cordial today than they have ever been. Russia must make her own decision and Sir John Simon was quite right in saying in the House, on Tuesday, that it is not customary to invite any State to join the League (though that has, in fact, been done on occasion). But on one point all doubt ought to be cleared up-at once. Many responsible Russians, as I have reason to know, believe the British Government would not approve of a Russian application for membership. - This, I am convinced, is a complete mistake. The British delegate at Geneva would vote both for admitting Russia to the League and for according her a permanent seat on the Council, provided, of course, that no unusual or inacceptable conditions are attached. And that ought to be made unmistakably clear. For while France is pressing Russia to join the League it is absurd, or worse, that dOnbts about this country's attitude should be making her hesitate.
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