Sir Austen explained that he made no promise in Paris,
much less at Locarno, to support the Polish claim to a permanent seat in the Council. He never had an idea of doing more than favouring a temporary seat for Poland if such a plan would not stand in the way of Germany's immediate admission. As for Spain, he pointed out that a general British support of her claim dated back to a proposal made four years ago by a member of Mr. Lloyd George's Government. The real difficulty was Brazil, and in this Matter Sir Austen made some unexpected statements. He said that when Brazil sent to Gerinany hei consent in writing to Germany's desire to become a permanent member she inserted a reservation. She added that no nation could be admitted to the Council simply by agreement with another nation, but that the whole matter ought to be discussed by the League itself in all. its international bearings and with reference to " general considerations."
