BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 2 March 1921, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

UV TELEGRAPH—PRIMS ASSN., COPYRIGHT

EX-GERMAN SHIP SINKS

. LONDON, Feb. 28. Another has been added to the list of mysterious accidents which have befallen an ex-German ship handed over to the Allies. The six thousand tenner renamed Huntspill, due to sail on Tuesr day from Southampton with troops for the Far East, inexplicably listed and sank in the mud, and is at present half submerged. A DENIAL. PARIS, Feb. 28. The Georgian Government has telegraphed a denial of the reported fall of Tiflis. - LEAVE TO APPEAL. LONDON, Feb. 28. The Privy Council granted Archdeacon Makeforcl leave to appeal against the Consistory Courts finding. THE DUKE SAILS. DELHI, Feb. 28. After a series of imposing social farewell functions at Bombay, the Duke of Connaught has departed for England aboard the steamer Malaya. Big crowds along the route accorded the departing guest an enthusiastic send off. EX-SERVICEMEN. CONFERENCE AT CAPETOWN. CAPETOWN, Feb. 28. The Empire Conference of ex-Service-men opened at the City Hall. A message was read from King George, declaring he was sure the Union of Empire warriors would strengthen the splendid spirit of fellowship evinced in the war and give new life to the noble British ideals they fought so ’gallantly and successfully to save. General Haig in a speech dwelt upon the common heritage all parts repiesented possessed, in the Empire. They were partners in a world wide federation of nations; owning the King ns a symbol of unity. A resolution to form a British Empire League of ex-Servicemeu was adopted. A discussion followed on the basis of representation. Mr Dyett (Australian delegate) said the dominions should each have one vote, not a vote for every ex-service organisation as suggested for South Africa, because the latter, unlike Australia, had failed to link up rival organisations. Mr Lendley (New Zealand delegate) considered Dvett was making a mountain out of a mole hill. It was not a question, of South Africa outvoting Australia or New Zealand. They were there for each others benefit. It was ultimately agreed that Britain and a Dominion, have two votes each.

SOUTH AFRICAN APPOINTMENT. (I’rctivecl this day at 8 a.m.) CAPETOWN, March 1. • Sir Edgar Walton has accepted the South African High Commissionership and has resigned his seat in the Assembly. AMERICA AND LEAGUE. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) PARIS, Feb. 28tli. The League Council’s reply to United States regarding Mesopotamia and lap mandates will come before Mr Wilson two days before Mr Harding comes into office. Tlid^contents of the Note are carefully guarded, but it is expected America will bo informed that the Mesopotamia Mandate has not yet been before the League, and concerning Yap the reply will be couched in most friend ly terms, pointing out Japan’s mandate was approved two months ago, and calling attention to the difficulties ot complying with United States request. The tono of the Note will be such, however, as to imply an invitation to. United States continue the discussion which will involve the Harding administration in the controversy with the League. European statesmen hope out of this may come a clearer understanding regarding America’s relations towards tho League.

A FRENCH MEMORIAL. TO FALLEN PRIEST-SOLDIERS-PARIS, March 1 In order to provide space for a memorial for the priests of the diocese who fell in the Great War, the tomb of Queen Berengaria, Consort of Richard Cour de Lion, lias been moved in the Cathedral at Le Mans, where it has remained undisturbed for nearly seven hundred years. The reinterment ceremonies were imposing. The organist played the British National Anthem. The tomb was Reaped with violets, gathered at Queen Bereiigarip’s Epau Estate, and bound with a tricolour ribbon, with an inscription commemorating both the great Crusaders, Queen and Francis, victims in “the holy crusade of 1914-18.”

UNION WITH GREECE FAVOURED ATHENS, Feb. 28. Inhabitants of Bulgarian Thrace demonstrated in favour of a union with Greece, Turkish and Greeks speaker-, advocating German annexation. GREECE AGAINST ALLIES. ATHENS, March 1. The Greek Government have decided to refuse the Allies Supreme Councils proposal for an inter- Allied commission to decide the Thrace and Smyrna control question. TRIAL OF GERMANS. LONDON, Feb. 28 Sir G. Hewart, speaking in the House of Commons, in reply to a question, said lie had had an interview with the German representatives respecting the trial o,f seven German officers at Leipzig. He hoped the trial would begin a month hence. It was proposed to have British repiesentatives present.