BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1921, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

CABLE NEWS.

BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. A REGRETTABLE INCIDENT. NEW YORK, Jan 14. It is stated that Washington has sent a note to Japan stating the killing of an American officer by a Japanese sentry at Vladivostock was regrettable and requesting Japan to take adequato steps to rectify the wrong. LEAGUE OF’NATIONS. THE KING’S MESSAGE. LONDON, Jan. 12. The King telegraphed to a mass meeting of the League of Nations Union at the Albert Halt:— “There is every reason to be thankful for what the League of Nations has accomplished in the first year of its life. Much will depend in the future on tile support and confidence assured its members by the people they represent. The nations must be true to the faith that 1 in the League lies a sure guarantee of peace, and only in fulfilment of these high ideals can generations to come be saved from a recurrence of desolating war. I look forward hopefully, believing this faith will appeal to men and women of the British Empire.”

AMERICAN NOTE TO JAPAN

NEW YORK, January 14

It is stated that Washington has sent a note to Japan stating that the killing of the American officer by a Japanese sentry at Vladivostock is regrettable and requesting Japan to take adequate steps to rectify the wrong. INDEMNITY TO BE PAID. NEW YORK, January 15. A Manila telegram states' .that it is understood that Japan has already agreed to pay an indemnity for killing Lieut. Langdon. AFFAIR ADJUSTED. NEW YORK, January 15. Admiral Cleaves who was ordered to proceed to VladivostoclT to inquire into the incident returned to Manila, shortly after starting it being understood he received a wireless message indicating that the affair had been adjusted. CHASING THE GOEBEN. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, January 15. Admiral Milne has begun the publication in the “Sunday Express” of the narrative of the German warship Goeben’s escape. He states Italy’s neutrality prevented British ships at the outset from entering the Straits of Messina, but a watch was set to the northwards of the mouth. Instructions to traverse straight in pursuit of the Goeben, arrived too late, Lord Milne then running south along the west coast of Sicijy. The narrative describes a thrilling exchange of fire with the Goeben and Breslau by Captain Howaird Kelly aboard the Gloucester, until he was recalled owing to the shortage of coal and to avoid capture.

THE WOOL DEAL. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) NEW YORK, January 15. The New York “Times” commenting on last week’s sales of Australian wool in London, points out it will' be interesting to watch how the scheme, by which Britain will turn over the holdings to a company represing the growers, will work. The odds are against success. There is so much, wool available that it will take years to dispose of it. Meanwhile the expense of carrying stocks will increase the cost. Temporarily, however; the plan may have the effect of raising the price of "wool to woollen mills. American are gradually beginning to work again, through the spring fabrics demand is ligh't. Lower prices for spring and fall goods are expected. CANADIAN VIEW. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) NEW YORK January 15. Interviewed, Mr Doherty the Canada delegate to the League of Nations said —I have the utmost confidence tlia? tne Empire will hold, hut Empire members must stand together on a basts of agreement, not on a basis of control. It is necessary to get the voice of all nations that compose it in order to get the voice of Empire. I can remember Canada did not agree in several instances with Mr Balfour in the League Council, regarding certain mandates and admission, of certain countries, but we reserve the right to our expressions of Independence when we differ from these sent out by Downing Street. SHORTER' HOURS. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 16. Employees at Portsmouth ‘dockyard received notice of seven, hours less work weekly and a. corresponding reduction in wages. Those wishing to leave must take this as a week’s notice of' discharge. AFRICAN ELECTIONS. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) . CAPETOWN, Jan 15. Nominations in connection with the impending general elections resulted in thirteen being returned unopposed, including ten of the New South African party candidates, of whom one was formerly labour, one independent and four * unionists. Merriman and Hertzog had n oopposition. Many three cornered contests- between the South African party, Nationalists and Labour, will be fought. Hertzog, replying to a question at a campaign meeting, whether the opposition leaders should attend the Imperial Conference, declared if invited, he would attend out of courtesy , but would not participate in the deliberations. Nationalists have nothing to do with Imperial closer union, nor do they admit the right of such a conference to bend them.