BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 17 June 1921, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

CABLE NEWS.

4USTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

TIMES COMMENT. LONDON, June 15. The “Times” has a leading article discussing Preident Harding’s dispatch which says: “It will be welcomed by all the peoples of the Empire for all the best minds have long looked forward to an Ango-American agreement as a areat saving ideal. What the world ° wants is an effective barrier against new wars. A opportunity now presents itself. It is notP |H worthy that United States Government--journals to-day publish reasons why the *. Artglo-Jfipanese alliance should be renewed. These reasons are, firstly, that it is desirable that Britain should exercise a friendly moderating Influence at Tokio; secondly, that the establishment of the Pacific position would finsure peace; thirdly, that Britain’s itifluehce would be stronger at Tokio to attend to any controversies between Japan, Australia and Canada; fourthly, that Japan would be strengthened as a bulwark against the Bolshevism . that is Moving towards the shores of the Western Pacific; fifthly, that her alliance with a great coloured race in India proves Britain does not recognise a colour bar.

HUGHES STAYING ON. LONDON, June 15. It is now considered likely that Mr Hughes will remain to attend the League of Nations Conference at Geneva next September, rhther than despatch another Minister from Australia, Mr Hughes will not confirm this, but the indications are that he will agree to go. Mr Hughes will not attend the opening of the Ulster Irish Parliament. RAND LABOR. TROUBLE.' CAPETOWN, June 15. The possibility of serious trouble has arisen on the Rand. This is owing to the proposed -reduction of wages. The joint executives of several Unions have decided to resist the Rand Chamber of Mines’ proposal to . reduce wages. The proposed reduction is three shillings per shift.

BRITISH LABOR LEADER. NEW YORK, June 15. ' Mr J. H Thomas, the British M.P., (Secretary to the Railwaymen) attended tile American Labour Federation Conference as a delegate irom British Labour Unions. In the discussion on Ireland, lie took part and said that the British Labour movement has favoured Irish freedom, but he said it did not want Ireland to be an independent nation.' They had found difficulty in solving the Irish question, but he wished the American Labour convention iuek if it could solve it, although it was 3000 miles away. He admitted the condition of Ireland was deplorable, and said religious differ-, euc-es were largely responsible.

CONFERENCE MATTERS. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, June U A definite line of cleavage is developing already in connection'with the conference. Mr Meighen is pledged to urge the conference to defer discussion on. defence matters until the internal situation is clearer and until naval experts have forwarded definite als. General Smuts supports Mr Meighen with modifications. Mr Massey and Mr Hughes, both armed with Jellicoe’s report, strongly deprecate delay and will insist on defence being one of the first questions. It is officially denied that Hon Lloyd George and Overseas Premiers will attend the opening of the Northern Parliament at Belfast. Dr Addison denies resigning.

PRINCE AND INDIA. « (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) , LONDON, June 16 It is understood the Viceroy strongly recommends an autumn visit of the Prince of Wales to India, as likely to assist the political situation. LOCKOUT POSTPONED. LONDON, June 15. . Engineering employers are postponing the lockout until the end of June to enable the unions to take a ballot regarding the employers terms. THE GALLIPOLI CAMPAIGN. (Received This Day at 8.40 a.m.) LONDON, June 15. ' General Hunter Weston while in Constantinople, met the Turkish Chief of Staff of Gallipoli Army.. Together they went over the campaign with maps and reports, confirming the impression that while the Allies were never within measurable disance of breaking through they rendered valuable assistance to the Allied efforts as a whole. The Turks admit they lost three hundred thousand in killed, sick and wuonded. f A JAPANESE WARNING. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, June 15. It is stated in Japanese circles that Japan has warned Semenoff not to interfere in the Vladivostok situation. Semenoff has been endeavouring to secure leadership of the anti-Bolshevik \— forces, occupying Vladivostok. AMERICA AND GERMANY. (Received This Day at 9.45 a.m.) NEW YORK, June 15. The New York “Sun’s” Washington correspondent states Republican Sen- / ate leaders have received assurances that the Administration found it impossible to make peace with Germany under the Versailles Treaty and the. final enactment of Knox-Porter peace resolution .will be followed by negotia- , tions for a new treaty.

GERMAN CABLES. . (Received this day at 9.31) a.m.) WASHINGTON, June 15 The State Department announced informal conferences are being held ufth Ambassadors of the principal powers in the effort to reach an agreement on the division of the former Gel-man cables. It is learned that Japan has decided to make concessions to America regarding Yap, but the State Department refuses to comment on the reports that Japan is ready to concede to America cables from Guafn tQ Mena da.