BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1922, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. GENERAL ALLENBY CHEERED. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) CAIRO, February 4. Egyptians cheered General Allenby bn departing for London, a remarkable tribute to his personal popularity, and the hope that the British Government will accept his recommendations. LABOUR’S PATIENCE. This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, February 4

Hon Clynes replying to Lord Birkenhead’s attack on Labour, said that industrial troubles since the war had. often been prevented’ by the political labour party. Their service had been a service of restraint and sustained appeal to patience. The finance of Poplar Guardians was Christian carefulness compared with Government’s lavish squandering of public money on worthless wicked objects abroad, and paying some totally useless Ministers at Home. Lord Birkenhead was an advocate with great talent, as was shown by his recent speeches in the House of Lords for and against the settlement of thp Irish question. He was endowed with qualities which the Coalition required. Lord Birkenhead one day was furio;us with the peoples of Ireland, Egypt, Russia, and Germany, and the nefct day was feebly inviting them to meet him and his’ Government colleagues, to receive concessions which were always with-held; until the Government wer# obliged to surrender. EGYPTIAN QUESTION. LONDON, Feb. 4.

The “Observer” hints that Mr Churchill is preventing the British Cabinet from dealing with the Egyptian problem on progressive lines which Hon. Lloyd George and Lord Curzon favour. The “Observer” adds that General Allenby is said to be coming home with his resignation in his pocket hiving found himself in nn impossible position as High Ommissoner. The Foreign Office Statement, cabled on 29th., January throws the responsibilty of a settlement on the British Parliament. Churchill’s ultimate choice will be to deepen the loyalty to his position as member of the Government or his resignation.

RUSSIAN NEWS. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, February 4

The “Observer’s” Moscow correspondent states on , the highest authority that a decree will shortly be issued abolishing the extraordinary commission to combat the counter revolution which since 1918 has been responsible for tho imprisonment and execution of many thousands. Tho Commission's own statistics covering nineteen months showed 86,893 people were, arrested and 10,153 executed.

GERMAN strike SETTLED. BERLIN, February 5

The mediation of the General Federation of Trade Unions, affected a settlement of the strike, Government liir ing some concessions to the strikers.

ATTEMPT TO ROISON. (Received This Dav at 8 a.m.)

LONDON, February 4

Farwell, vice-Cliancellor of Oxford who reoenty sent down two under-grad-uates for editing a Communist newspaper and also banned a performance of certain plays received through the post a box of chocolates sprinkled with powder ,which Professor Soddy states contains a subtle poison.

GENOA INVITATION. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) CAPETOWN, Feb. 4

The Italian Government has invited the Union of South Africa to send a representative to the Genoa Conference. Mr Walton, High Commissioner in London, will represent the Union, with Sir Henry Strakosch as financial adviser.

DE WET’S FUNERAL. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) CAPETOWN, Feb. 4

The body of General De Wet will lie in state till the funeral. Shortly before his death, lie received a personal letter of goodwill from Michael Collins, and expressed the opinion that Ireland was right in accepting the Treaty, which will enable her to organise and grow strong.

AFRICAN LABOR TROUBLE.

CAPETOWN, Feb. 4

Industrial Federation delegates interviewed General Smuts and after a conference lasting several hours, the proceedings were adjourned till Monday. It transpires that plans for a general dfensive against essential services were altered at the last moment, the leader of the Commandoes saying, “We do not want to risk a conflict, that might mean a loss of life. The time is not ripe for a revolution.” The Commando preparations wore in progress in West Rand throughout the night and early morning for a general mobilisation in that area. Attempts at pulling out were made at nearly all the mines in the West Rand, but failed in every instance. The military section however, is becoming more demonstrative. Further attempts at dynamiting the railway are reported and public anxiety is increasing. The opinion is growing that the strike is being exploited for revolutionary purposes.

GANDHI’S ULTIMATUM. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.in.) DELHI, Feb. 4

Gandhi lias written to Lord Reading stating it was originally intended to start civil disobedience in Bardoli Suraa district as a sign of national revolt against the Government’s criminaliy, but the step wds postponed owing to Bombay riots. Meanwhile virulent repression lias started in many parts of the country. Gandhi then repeats the old arguments emphasising that mass civil disobedience is now an imperative duty, but for the present it will be confined to Bardoli under Gandhi’s personal leadership, though lie may give consent to similar action in Guntur. The letter ends practically with an ultimatum that unless the Viceroy accepts Gandhi’s terms and issues a manifesto within seven days, direct action will commence.