BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1921, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

— CCSTItAI.IAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.

INDIAN ASPIRATIONS. LONDON, July 27

Mr Sastri, speaking at the Lord Mayor’s luncheon, said he and Mr Cutch had come to England to ask that our status as equal partners in the Empire be recognised, not merely in the United Kingdom, but with equal warm readiness throughout the Empire. We were under no delusions respecting the difficulties which would he encountered before this was accomplished. We were fully aware of the peculiar circumstanes in parts of the Empire, where the meaning of Empire was not fully understood, and where more education was necessary before the electorates could understand the significance of the lofty ideals of quality of brotherhood, whereon the Empire was bound. We have'learned the lesson of patience, which conquers difficulties and hope the citizens of the Kingdom will help us in seeking a perfect pndimiiiished equality, With the rest of the Empire;

DISCUSSION IN LORDS. LONDON, July 26

Lord Salisbury in the House of Lords seeking a statement about Ireland said he opposed the indefinite delay thereof, as it might he believed we approve .of the method pursued, whereas we feel a great shame is involved in the negotiations. He was only awaiting. an official statement- in order to make our position clear. Lord Birkenhead replying, said he wajs puzzled over the; -references to shame and did not know {or whom Lord Salisbury spoke. He and all his Unionist colleagues were utterly unconscious of the same, either the negotiations or the terms offered. .

AIT. EVEREST EXPEDITION. (LONDON, July 27

Reports of the Alt. Everest expedition show they are making steady progress, despite great difficulties in the rough country of transport, amidst wonderful scenery. They paid interesting visits to Tibetan monasteries. The surveyors have mapped twenty-five thousand square miles of hitherto unsurveyed country.

FRENCH TRADE. PARIS, July, 27

For the first time since the war a favourable trade balance is revealed. For the first six months of 1921, the imports totalled 10J .milliard francs and sixteen million tons, and exports 10:1 milliards and 7,326 thousand tons. Imports declined a million francs and six - million tons, compared with the previous corresponding period.

N.Z. ATHLETE’S FEAT. - LONDON, July 28 A New Zealander, F. A. Hornibrook <of Christchurch) broke the British professional hold-out weight lifting record. He lifted 126.Ub 65 times'with his right arm, and 61J with his left. Hornibrook was injured in France in 1919. The doctor stated that he would never regain the use of his left arm. Hornibrook cured himself in three months by an intensive course of massage. FAILURE OF JAPANESE STRIKE. TOKIO, July 27. The strike at the Kawasaki dockyards at Kobe, which apparently lias ended in a crushing defeat of the strikers, is ending. Thirty per cent of the "workers have returned to the shops unconditionally. The remainder are now expected to return shortly. >

These workers are the most skilled class in Japan, and were in a favourable position to enforce their demand. Their defeat is considered a blow against the right 'to organise unions. The strike at Robe has apparently been Many men are returning to work and the troops are withdraw-

. PORES AGAIN ARMING. LONDON, July 27. The London ‘Daily Express” Berlin correspondent states: Telegrams from Upper Silesia indicate that the Polish fears of further delays iin reaching a settlement have caused fresh large outbursts of fighting and rioting. The Poles are now reported to be starting a fourth insurrection, and to be relying on French support. The Poles directed an attack between Breslau and Ratibon, where a railway track is barred. A German express was held up by gunfire, and forced to return. Serious conflicts occurred in various districts with varying results Thousands of insurgents are concentrating' and forming a large army. Germans accuse the French authorities of arming Polish ammunition trains, providing six-inchers and refusing to assist Italian troops, who also wore attacked by the Poles.

ANGLO-FRENCH HITCH. " LONDON, July 27. A serious hitch has occurred in the Anglo-French, negotiations regarding Silesia.

The French Ambassador visited Lord Curzon yesterday and intimated that the French Government cannot decide on any meeting of the Supreme Council on August 4th unless the question of the sending of troops is settled first.

The “Daily Express” Paris corres pondent says: This (development has alarmed Paris, which fears an AngloFrench rupture. He adds: It is hinted in Paris that the Council may not meet.

AMERICAN FEARS.

(Received This Dav at 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, July 28 It is believed the American Ambassadors in London, Paris and Rome are seized with the seriousness of the im-. passe and fear it may lead to another Central European conflict. They are in close communication with the President with a view to mediation. Col. Harvey was expected |<> attend the Supreme Council in an unofficial capacity. It is now hinted he may, under the circumstances, attend the meeting with more than a watching brief.

TERMINATION OF WAR. LONDON, July 28. Hon. Lloyd George announced in the Commons that the date of the termination of war, excepting with Turkey, was fixer} for Ist. September,