The Bismarck Tribune

BRAZIL SENDS RESIGNATION FROM LEAGUE

Consternation Created in League Circles By Official Announcement

Geneva, June 14-(AP)--Brazil has resigned from the League of Nations.

Notification of this step, received by cable today from Foreign Minister Pacheco at Rio Janeiro, created consternation in league circles.

The withdrawal follows Brazil's earlier act in resigning from the league council because of the refusal of the powers to grant her a permanent seat simultaneously with Germany, who was promised one at the Locarno conference.

League officials had been confident that the Rio government would not take the final step until the European chancellories had the opportunity to try diplomatic negotiations.

The powers planned to placate Brazil and Spain by promising them support for regular reelection as non-permanent council members, thus giving them, in effect if not in name, permanent membership.

Change Hoped For

League officials still doggedly hope that the entrance of the new Brazilian president, Washington Luis, this fall may bring a change in the Rio government's league policy as carried on by President Bernardes and his foreign minister, Senhor Pacheco.

Although she has resigned, Brazil remains a member, by virtue of the covenant, for two years from the time the message was sent. It is dated Saturday, June 12, 11:35 p. m.

Brazil now is in the same position as Costa Rica, who gave notice of her resignation in December, 1924, and who thus is entitled to withdraw legally next December.

League Reduced To 53 States

The departure of Costa Rica and Brazil reduces the league membership to 53 states, this number including Argentina who, although she has not yet ratified the covenant, pays dues and is represented on both the disarmament and the council reorganization commissions.

It is thought by some that Argentina will now play a leading role in Geneva, in place of Brazil. Nevertheless, the Brazilians' move comes as a big blow. It is feared this may be followed by a similar action by Spain, as both nations have been in the same boat, with Spain announcing categorically that she refuses to be classified as a secondary power, which non-promotion to a permanent seat would signify in her eyes.

There is some speculation whether the Brazilian withdrawal will influence other Latin-American countries to do likewise and whether a project will be launched to organize an all-American league, including the United States.