BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1922, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

ILSTUALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION I GERMAN REPLY. TO REPARATIONS COMMISSION. (Received-this day at 8.30 p.m.) PARIS, May'll The German Government replying to the last Reparation Commission’s note, declares firstly it is convinced of the necessity to cover all the States outgoing from taxation of internal loans, not involving money inflation. Nevertheless, in view of the economic situation Germany cannot discharge her debts payable in foreign currencies, without a foreign loan. It is impossible to comply with the Gomqiission’s demand to impose new taxation, and raise an equivalent of fifty million sterling before May 31st. Germany is prepared before that date to submit t« the Commission, a complete schedule for the purpose of giving effect to this principle. Secondly, Germany is prepared to afford the Reparations Commissions nil facilities for investigation of German financial conditions, and consult the Commission regarding the necessity for financial legislation. DAILY HERALD. IN VERY LOW WATER. (Received this day at 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, May 11. The “Daily Herald” (Labour paper) has been passing through low water, but has attained a new life, at any rate for six months. For a long time it tried to live almost entirely oil circulation. but never attained payable figures, despite Britain’s six million trade unionists. Internally the paper has always had to contend against control by visionary Communists and propagandists, who were amateurs journalistically. Last week, despite daily frantic financial appeals the cessation of the publication appeared imminent. Ultimately the Labour Party’s general council, despite their own deplorable low finances owing to the abnormally heavy strike payments, undertook responsibility for the next half year’s losses. Trade Union and Labour Party Congresses thereafter will decide the question of a continuation of the paper as Labour’s official organ, the party controlling the policy and management.

This entails an immediate reversion of the price to twopence. The entire staff fronl the highest to the lowest, have voluntarily undertaken to forego portion of their salaries to the extent of £BOOO sterling during the next six months.

A prominent union official informed the Australian Press Association that the paper was not likely to succeed so long ns it continually emphasised Communism, Sovietism, (diamlism, and Egyptian Extremism to the exclusion of British economic betterment schemes, wherefore Unionism primarily stood.

FRONTIER DISASTER

(Received this day at 12.25 p.m.)

DEI.HI, May 11

Reports from Wa/.iristan state a platoon of Grenadiers patrolling near West Snidgi, were surprised by 100 tribesmen. One "Indian officer and 21 Indians of other ranks were kill d and a quantity of small arms and ammunition lost. The enemy’s losses were negligible.

SOVIET IN BOKHARA

(Received this day at 12.25 p.m.) - DELHI, May 11

Soviet authorities have l>een compelled to send reinforcements to eastern Bokhara. Rebels set fire to Khakond oil wells and are now threatening Tnsj>kent, north of which an entire Holshevik regiment deserted, with a numbei of machine guns. Bolsheviks suppiossed an hostile outbreak at Askhabad after the principal city bazaar had been looted. Bolsheviks attempt to enforce conscription proved a failure, although the refusal to obey the call was punishable by death. Bolsheviks, with the object of conciliating Kbivans, offered to recognise their Khan as president of Khivnn Republic, but the Khan who at present is in refuge in Kabul, is unlikely to accept, in view of the exi>eriences of the Bokharan Republic.

POPE AND RUSSIA IIIXTEII’S TELEGRAMS.

(Received this day at 12.25 p.m.)

ROME, May 11

The newspaper “Tribune” states the Vatican has concluded an agreement with Tchitcherin whereby Russia accepts pontifical clauses regarding liberty of conscience, and protection of Catholic missions in Russia. The \ atienn withdrew the clause concerning transference of church property, in consequence of Tchitcherin’s refusal to agree thereto.

CHINESE POLITICS. ' PEKIN, May 11

Cabinet have decided to resign on ' Inc. It is expected a mandate will be issued appointing Wang Shi Cheng as Premier.