NEWS OF THE EEK
THE final vote on the French resolution at Geneva has not been taken as these words arc written, but it is clear that France's decision to raise Herr Hitler's introduction of conscription before the League Council has had the effects foreshadowed in these columns when the intention was first announced. All the " neutral " members of the Council have shown a marked reluctance to mix themselves up in what they regard as a dispute between Germany and her former enemies, and Germany herself is likely to be alienated from Geneva rather than attracted to it by the action taken there. It is, of course, on decisive action by disinterested members of the Council that the League depends for its moral force, but in this case the neutrals are entitled to point out, without exonerating Germany, that her increase of her military strength is due in part at least to the failure of other countries to reduce theirs. But the principle that a de- liberate breach of treaties is a matter of which the League should take • immediate cognizance is undeniably sound, and if, as France proposes, a committee is appointed to examine methods of practical application of Article XAT of the League Covenant, a very useful step will have been taken. It ought to have been taken long-ago. If and when the committee's report is adopted enabling legislation in the different countries should follow.
