EUROPEAN ITEMS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1098, 13 November 1883, Page 2

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

London, Oct. 30. General Mclvor continues persistent in his design to form his New Guinea Colonisation Company. He denies that he is a British subject, and declares that on his arrival in New Guinea he intends to hoist a foreign flag. The negotiations w hich have been going on for some time past between the ,Governments of England and France in connection with the conduct of the late Admiral Pierre, for detaining the captain and officers of the British man-of-war Dryad, and causing the arrest of the Rev

Mr Shaw at Tamatava, have at lengt been brought to a termination. France has now formally apologised for the conduct of the late Admiral, the apology however being cold and reserved. Lord Granville has intimated that he will accept the apology on behalf of the Imperial Government. M Lacour, the French Minister for Foreign Affairs, stated in the Chamber of Deputies last night that Franco was determined to pursue the policy which ha had initiated with regard to Tonquin, and that he would not be deterred by China. No definhe decision was arrived at by the Chamber, but it is certain that the Deputies will support M. Lacour in his resolution. War between France and China is therefore considered to be imminent.

The Morning Post and Pall Mall Gazette contain articles on the annexation question bearing special reference to the fear expressed by the Australian colonies that France intends to utilise a number of the islands in the South Pacific as receptacles for habitu il criminals. Both journals appeal to Prance to abandon her original intention in regard to the deportation of criminals.

London, Nov. 2 J The Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has resolved to present a petition to I.ord Derby on the subject of annexation in the Pacific. . The object of the petition is to induce the Imperial Government to be guided by the result of the Conference that is to be held in Sydney, and to confirm whatever decision the Conference may arrive at on the question. Latest advices from Tonquin intimate that China has resolved to defend Bac Ninh, the town against which the French forces recently marched, but retreated, finding that it was defended by Krupp guns.