BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1921, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

13Y TELEGRAPH —CROSS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. A JAPANESE VIEW. TOKIO, Feb. 17. Oppositionists introduced a resolution in the Diet opposing the punishment of the sentry who killed Lieut Langdon, an American officer, at Vladivostock, declaring his action was justifiable in self defence, and that any punishment would militate against discipline in the Japanese army.

FRINGE'S GIST TO CARFENTIER. LONDON, February 19. •York House recently received numerous letters from France asking to make the writers’ gifts varying from bicycles to motor cars. It is now revealed that the Prince recently received Carpentier and gave him an autograph. French papers reporting the incident converted the ‘ autograph” into •‘automobile,” creating the widespread impression in France that the Prince was a multi-billionaire ready to he a benefactor to all and sundry. The writers suggested that as he was able to give Carpentier a motor car he might give them a bicycle or another suitable present.

GENERAL STRIKE. PARIS, February 19. A general textile strike began in the Nurd Department against the reduction of dear living wages. FALLEN SOLDIERS. LONDON, February 18. The Imperial War Graves Commission has practically decided that regimental memorials shall he placed in record houses of - cemeteries adjacent to 85 principle battlefields of France. FALLEN SOLDIERS. LONDON. February 18. The * Imperial War Graves Commission has practically decided that regimental memorials shall he placed in retard houses of cemeteries adjacent to 85 principal battlefields of France and Belgium.

BRITAIN’S UNEMPLOYED. LONDON, February 18. The unemployment in Britain continues. Last week’s figures were 1,143,000. CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT. LONDON, February 19. Speakers in the House of Commons contended the excess profits duty was partly responsible for the present unemployment. Some alleged the Labour Party, because of its attitude toward ex-service men, could also he considered partly responsible. Mr Lloyd George, replying, said trade was equally bad in all countries. He repudiated the idea that th e Government had done nothing to relievo the unemployment. Hi declared every effort was made within the limits of an overburdened community to mitigate the position. People were being taxed to the utmost limit he said, to avert distress. There vvu; never a period of unemployment wit! less distress. Ther e were to-day 12,090 000 people insured for 18s. weekly. Th municipalities and State had voted he tween £10,000,000 and £12,000,000 foi new roads to provide employment. Hi pleaded for closer co-operafion betweei Capital and Labour to revive trade The unemployment problem would never bo solved until workers frankly considered what was best for their industry. If international trade failed, it would mean nothing but ruin and starvation. Workmen must be prepared to-share work with less fortunate workmen. Mr Lloyd Geqj-ge denounced the Labour Party for its attitude towards the ex-service men, and Union status as journeymen. Referring to international credit, he said that until Central Europe showed a more neighbourly feeling, it would be difficult to nave credits. Mr G’lynes moved an amendment th was negatived by 262 to 84.

ALLIED DEMANDS ON GERMANY. LONDON, Feb. 18. France’s reply to the recent defiant speeches by Dr Simons (German Finance Minister), has come quick and decisive. It is announced that Marshal Foch, in collaboration with M. Lripnd (Rre sident), M. Barthou (Minister), and Marshal Petain, has drawn up plans fo: an immediate advance by the French troops in the event of Germany’s refusal to accept the Allies’- reparations demands on the basis of the Paris Agreement. Amongst other French military precautions, will be the retention of the 1918-19 classes of conscripts with the colours, and also the maintenance of an especially alert Army of Occupation in the Rhine area.

France expects to receive a strong mandate for the Rhine area from the Allies, although this will not prevent Britain from carrying out her part on the same role on the Rhine.

OPINION IN BELGIUM

BRUSSELS, Feb. 18

A member of the Foreign Affairs Commission in the Chamber expressed opinion that the disarmament of Germany was an accomplished fact and the pacifism of the German people was certain.

Mr Hymans replying, declared that the idea of revenge was very deeprooted in Germany, therefore Belgium ought not to allow herself to be lulled into false security. GERMANY’S DECISION. PARIS, Feb. 19. According to the “Petit Parisien’s” Berlin correspondent, the German Government has decided to suspend disarmament pending the result of negotiations in London. ANGLICAN CHURCH. LONDON, Feb. IS. Archdeacon Wakefield states that he has not received any communication from the Bishop' of Lincoln on the Consistory Court's finding.