IN THE COMMONS

Hokitika Guardian, 17 June 1920, Page 3

IN THE COMMONS

I INTERESTING INFORM ATION

<By Electric Telegraph—Co ivright

(Received this day at 8.40 a.m.) LONDON, June 15.

In the Commons, Hon. Lloyd George made a statement that on 10th. Mav, the anter-’Allied Commission Cbuneil estimated the strength of Germany’s army at 270 thousand. By 10th. June, •the German wireless officially stated the army * had been reduced to two hundred thousand and forces in neutral zone reduced to ten battalions, five squadrons and one battery. This information had not been checked by the Inter-Allied Commission, but there /s evidence to show there has been a onsidera-ble reduction in the army during the past, month. The German Government has issued orders for the disbandment and disarmament of unauthorised reserve formations, hut was still pressing for permissioh to retain armed Constabulary.

‘Hon. Lloyd George added that indefinite date had not yet been fixed for tlie Spa Conference, pending the Constitution of the new German Government, but it probably would be early in July.

The Premier stated the British Government had contributed twenty-three thousand sterling to the funds of tlie League of Nations, in the last financial year. Government had no information in regard to the amount subscribed or guaranteed by other nations. Hon. Bonnr Law announced an autumn session was inevitable.

Mr Bridgman stated in view of tlie rate of output and'inland-- requirements they have controlled coal. Miners in agreement with representatives of exporting districts have fixed the total coal available for export from United Kingdom at 1750 thousand tons monthly. NAVAL CONTROL. (Reuter’s Telegram.) , 1 (Received this (lav at 1.36 r>.ni > OTTAWA, June 15. In the Commons, Mr Ballantyne, Min ister for Navy producing the Civil Estimates, outlined the negotiations between the Dominions and Admiralty regarding naval defence. Tlie Minister said following the Imperial War Conference of 1918, the Dominion Premiers submitted a memorandum declaring the proposals in the previous Admiralty memorandum, fpr y single navy at all times under the central naval authority, were not considered practicable. The experience of the war had shown that a Dominion Navy, such as Australia possessed, could operate with the highest efficiency as part of the united navy, under one direction. The memorandum concludes that as the naval forces of the Overseas Dominions came to he developed, it might he necessary hereafter to consider an establishment for war purposes, of Supreme naval authorities iji connection with which the Admiralty and Dominions would lie represented.