BRITISH AND FOREIGN ITEMS,

Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1922, Page 2

BRITISH AND FOREIGN ITEMS,

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. FRANCE MENACED. LONDON, July 9. The “Daily News’s” Rails correspondent expresses grave concern regarding the German financial situation and its effect on France, where the recent currency depreciation has added nine milliards of francs to the French National debt. Further, he says: “It is realised that not only will Germany’s cash payment be involved, but unless something is done to remedy the German currency, the reparations in kind will soon he as uncertain as the cash. Berlin’s latest declaration that it will he im-* possible to continue monthly deliveries of German coal to the Allies is regard ed as significant hereof.

FREE STATERS WELCOMED. LONDON, July 9

There are increased signs that the population of Ireland is tired of the rebels’ campaign. When the people of Wexford heard the National troops were approaching, they arranged a big impromptu orchestra, and a procession went to meet the troops with torches, and. amidst cheers, escorted them to town This is typical of occurrences reported in' various places throughout the country.

IMPERIAL .\TR’ SCHEME. LONDON. July 10. The “Daily Express” understands that the Air Council is advising the Government t-o reconsider its decision to scrap airships and bases. It considers an Empire air service scheme, based on the use of six airships, instead of Burney’s promised five, would be capable of producing excellent- results. The Council recommends the provision of £SO.OOO annually for ten years for mlitary air-craft, which sum, subject to certain modifications, would be allocated to the Burney scheme. Some definite result would then be achieved.