BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1922, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

CABLE NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. PALESTINE’S CONSTITUTION. LONDON, February 7. ' Government handed the draft of the constitution of Palestine to representatives of Palestinian Arabs now in London. The main point of the scheme is that while the executive remain in the hands of the high commissioner of Palestine who will be empowered to reserve certain matters for decision of the Secretary of State, there will be a Legislative Council partly nominated and partly elected providing the first stop towards a representative G°-1 vernment under a constitution. The Arabs have a majority both of elected and nominated councillors.

GERMAN STRIKE. BERLIN, February 7

At the conclusion of negotiations by the Imperial Chancellor and Minister of Finance with representatives of the workers and officials organisations, the latter accepted the Government pledge to immediately objudieate on wages and other questions as a suitable basis for calling off the strikes. GERMAN STRIKE. BERLIN, Feb. 7. The Trades Unions have agreed to order the strikers to return' to work. GENOA. CONFERENCE LONDON February 8. The “Westminster Gazette” statts a note has been received in London I from the French Government strongly urging the postponement of the Genoa Conference for three months.

ELECTION COMING. LONDON, Feb. 8.

Lord Buckmafeter, speaking in Parliament, declared the King’s speech indicated the Government was resolved on a general election. He welcomed the prospect.

LONDON, Feb. 7

The debate on the address will be concluded on Tuesday, and a Labour amendment will be taken on Thursday, while Monday will be devoted to a Liberal amendment upon the crushing burden of taxation. The Conservative “die hards” have two amendments, one regretting chaos will result in Southern Ireland, and the other voicing Ulster’s fears that territory will be handed to Sinn Fei tiers.

LIBEL ACTION. LONDON, Feb. 7. Mr J. H. Thomas, M.P., referring to his libel action on 'November 29, declared lie intends to see the matter through. The defendants had gone bankrupt. He had not received a penny damages. He intended giving one of the defendants an opportunity to explain vvliat became of £IOO,OOO received during the past two years. ITALIAN CRISIS. ' ROME, Feb. 8. Signor Denicola has declined to form a Government in consequence of the Parliamentary groups’ excessive demands for portfolios. FRENCH ATTITUDE. ,’Received This Day at 9.40 a.m.) PARIS, Feb. 8. M. Poincaire replying to a question in the session of the Army Finances Commission, as to whether the Government intended to obtain sanctions if Germany defaulted in her engagements, said it did not intend and was not inclined to do so, but Frencn treaty rights must be respected. “1 consider we have surrendered sufficient to warrant a refusal to make a further surrender.”

ARABS ATTACK ITALIANS. (Received This Dav at 9.40 a.m.) ROME, Feb. 8

Tripolitan Arabs counter attacked Italian positions at Misuraki Marina, inflicting casualties. Fourteen were killed and thirty-nine wounded. The town has become an entrenched camp.

TANGIER’S PROPOSAL. LONDON, Feb. 8

Franco- British negotiations resulted in a proposal to establish a special municipal tribunal at Tangiers, under the Sovereignty of the Sultan. CHINA APPROVES. 'Received This Day at 9.40 n.m.) WASHINGTON, Feb. 8. A cablegram from Peking states the Chinese Cabinet approved of two treaties to which China is signatory/ The President will issue a mandate concluding the ratification.

STEAMER ABANDONED ON FIRE NEW YORK, Feb. 8.

The liner Northern Pacific was abandoned on fire in a sinking condition off Jersey coast. Rescue vessels picked up the crew. Four are missing. japan and conference. (Received This Dav at 10.15 n.m A TOKIO, February 8. Premier .Takahashi, addressing t|i e House of Peers, declared the Imperial Government does not pretend that the Washington Conference was an unqualified success, viewed from the individual standpoint. It does believe the present agreements forms the first step towards a realisation of a real lasting peace. Such an agreement will grow in the future, even into an understanding for the total abolition of defence equipment. Ount Uchida gave an assurance re-

garding the evacuation of Japanese troops from Siberia when the China negotiations were completed. Warships now «n the ways, and to be include the battleships, Kaga, Kijji, Owari, Tosa, the battle cruisers, Atago, Akagi, Amagi and Takao. PRINCE AT GWALIOR. 'Received This Day at 11.30 a.m.) DELIHI, February % The Prince of Wales entered Gwalior City on Thursday riding an elephant. The procession was reminiscent of the barbaric grandeur of Moghul days. Everywhere he was received with whole hearted enthusiasm, and the customary pageants characteristic of Oriental receptions .