The League of Nations Council convened its forty-first session in Geneva on Thursday amid the notable absence of the Spanish delegate, signaling an impending shift in Spain’s role within the organization. Spain’s seat remained vacant throughout the session, with the League’s Secretary-General confirming the representative’s absence but offering no further explanation. Dr. Edvard Beneš, who presided over the meeting, refrained from commenting on the situation.

Reports from the session indicate that Spain is poised to withdraw from active participation in the League, though it may stop short of a full departure akin to Brazil’s recent exit. The Spanish government’s insistence on securing a permanent seat on the Council—rejecting any alternative solutions—has left other members doubting a reversal in Spain’s stance. Observers within the Council suggested that Spain’s withdrawal may ultimately be more detrimental to the country than to the League itself. As a neutral state during the First World War, Spain had received privileges uncommon among nations of similar status.

The session also addressed the ongoing reorganization of the Council. The Committee responsible for reform held a final meeting, where President M. Motta presented the draft report to the Council. Although Spain’s representative on the Committee, Señor Palacios, was absent from the general meeting, he attended the Committee session. The report acknowledged Spain’s claims but concluded that the Council could not propose increasing the number of permanent seats beyond the existing five, while unanimously agreeing on the necessity of granting Germany a permanent seat upon its admission to the League.

The Committee expressed hope that its proposed modifications—which included creating one additional permanent seat and three non-permanent seats—would satisfy the representation demands of certain member states. It also specifically noted the justice of Spain’s demand, referencing Señor Palacios’s previous declarations from 1926. The Council’s approval of the report would mark a pivotal moment in its restructuring.

Later discussions within the Committee grew contentious, with Viscount Cecil arguing that the report insufficiently highlighted the efforts made to accommodate Spain’s requests. In contrast, Señor Palacios criticized the report for failing to explicitly record Spain’s rejection for a permanent seat. The debate became further complicated by concerns from Polish members, who objected to Spain being singled out by name without a similar mention of Poland’s own position. After prolonged deliberations, the Committee adjourned, postponing further discussion until the following day.

Amid the uncertainty, the League’s Executive Council awaited formal communication from Spain, anticipated to be delivered shortly to Secretary Sir Eric Drummond. Insider commentary suggested that the Spanish government would likely reject any compromise and proceed with its withdrawal, marking a significant moment in the League’s evolving composition just as Germany’s entry—with permanent Council status—is set to reshape the organization.