Portentous Compromise

The Council of the League of Nations solved last week the most vexatious problem which has arisen to confront the League, discovered and adopted a formula under which to admit Germany, and Germany alone, to an additional permanent seat on the League Council.

The proceedings by which this was accomplished were studiously devoid of drama. The Council learned last March that the world cannot be let in on the rivalries of nations for permanent Council seats without disastrous results. At that time the demands of Spain, Poland and Brazil for permanent seats led to the scandalous break up of a League session especially called to admit Germany to the League (TIME, March 15 et seq.). Last week the Council session at which this great misfortune was righted, seemed almost drowsy.

Foreign Minister Benes of Czechoslovakia presided. Foreign Secretary Sir Austen Chamberlain of Britain was observed to relax in his chair and absently puff a cigaret. Foreign Minister Briand of France evidently at ease, beamed. Newsgatherers remembered that in March both Sir Austen and M. Briand sat haggard, tense, nerve-wracked at the Council table.

M. Benes intoned: "La parole est au representant de Japon,"

Viscount Ishii, thus called upon to take the floor, read rapidly the formula of compromise arrived at by secret negotiations among the Great Powers and drafted in its final form early last week by the Council commission created for that purpose (TIME, Sept. 6). Those present remarked that Viscount Ishii's purring syllables, impassive mien and gestureless delivery suggested a Buddhist deity bringing to Christians surcease from strife. As the last word was uttered, M. Benes darted a keen glance about the horseshoe-shaped Council table: "There are no objections? Then the resolution is adopted!"

The Formula. By not objecting the Council members approved a resolution recommending to the Assembly of the League of Nations that it take the following action: 1) Admit Germany to the League and to a permanent Council seat. 2) Raise the number of nonpermanent seats from six to nine. 3) Make three of the nine non-permanently seated nations eligible for reelection.

Under this formula the Assembly can salve the wounded pride of Spain by awarding to that country one of the new re-electable or semi-permanent seats. Brazil who has served notice of withdrawal from the League (TIME, June 21) may be tempted back by a similar plum. Poland will assumedly not be forgotten, as the dependent ally of potent France. The Assembly, which convened at Geneva last week, is thus provided with three tempting prizes to grant or withhold for good behavior among the nations.