BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 January 1921, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

ny telegraph—press assn., copyright. CONCEALING PROFITS.

PARIS, January 25. Since March 609 charges have been investigated in the Seine Department against merchants and manufacturers for concealing profits. Sentences have been imposed in 55 cases. The total amount of concealment of profits were over 60,000,000 francs. One manufacturer made a total profit of 32,000,000 francs; and another 170,000,000 francs.

FEDERAL POLITICS. LONDON, January 25. The “Morning Post’s” Sydney correspondent cables that it is believed that Senator Millen is hastening his return in order to urge his claims to the aeting-Premiership. l't is alleged that Senator Millen did

not perform the duties for which he proceeded to London, and it is rumoured that Mr Matt and Mr Hughes are nearing a reconciliation in which case Hughes may leave Watt in charge of the post to which Millen believes him self entitled to. When Senator Millen was shown the cable he made the following reply to the Australian Press Association: “The statement that I am hastening back of my own volition is entirely incorrect. Equally incorrect is the statement that

the purpose for which I am returning is to urge my claims to the acting-leader-ship during Hughes’ absent, e. DEATH FROM HUNGER STRIKE. LONDON, Jan 25. Stimie Morrison, convicted of the murder of Heron, on Clapham Common in December, 1911, died in prison as a result of a hunger strike. The prison doctor said he believed that Morrison hoped to get his case reconsidered. WITHDRAWAL OF TROOPS. LONDON, Jan 25. The “Daily Chronicle’s’ political correspondent states that the Government policy includes the withdrawal of the Mesopotamian forces to Basra by March The troops number 70,000. Mr Winston CRu.rchill will probably take up his duties at the Colonial Office at the end of the week. He contemplates a lightning visit to Mesopotamia to discuss affairs with Sir Percy Cox to hasten a final decision. ULSTER UNIONIST PARTY. LONDON, Jan 25. An Ulster deputation urged Sir Eduard Carson to accept the leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party in the Ulster Parliament. Carson stated that owing to the strain he endured during his leadership in Ulster and in war work he felt lie had an insufficient reserve of strength at his age to undertake the leadership, but agreed to retain the Ulster chairmanship in the House of Com-

mons. The position will probably be offered to Sir James Craig.

JAPAN AND AMERICA

TOKIO Jan 25

Senator Borah’s (United States) disarmament resolution was diseftssed in the Japanese House of Representatives when Humagohi (Opposition) declared that both the Japanese and American naval expenditures should he in the same proportion as far as possible, but Japanese natural resources did not, however, permit her to compete with America. Consequently there must he a. wide gulf between the naval strengths of the two countries. Any agreement for curtailment of naval expenditure would benefit Japan more than the othe'r Powers. Premier Hara stated that Count Hayassi’s statement in London regarding disarmament was not made with authority, but merely expressed on his own opinions. The Government was not prepared to say anything on the subject as disarmament had not yet become a practical international question. Joko.iashi (hinauce Minister) in presenting the Budget urged the formation of associations of business leaders to increase credits and avoid useless competition in preparation for an economic struggle which would have to be faced. He declared Japan’s production machinery should be overhauled and strengthened and her European markets improved.

DR. CLUNE. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) ROME, January 25. Dr Clune, Archbishop of Perth, who has just been received by the Pope, is reported to have been called to Rome to study with the Vatican the possible formula for removing differences, be--1 tween Ireland and England. | TREATY OF SEVRES. ! (Received This Day at 10.40 a.m.) LONDON, Jan 26. ! The “Central Now 6” understands that the Inter-Allied Conference to be held in London (cabled on 25th) will considerably revise the Treaty of Sevres. Possibly Mutaplia Komal’s representatives will attend. GRIMSBY TRAWLERS. (Received This Day at 10.40 a.m.) LONDON, Jan 26. The Grimsby trawlers (cabled 24th) have decided not to give notice of a strike, but will choose the time most calculated to inconvenience the owners. This prevents the owners from taking measures to minimise the effect. It is reported tho strike does not affect other fishing centres. P. AND O. SERVICE. (Received This Day at 10.40 a.m.) LONDON, Jan ,26. The P. and O. Company advertise a regularly four weekly service to Australia from February 2nd., with tho. steamers Mantua, Monea, Malwa, and Narkuuda.