BRITISH FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 August 1922, Page 3

BRITISH FOREIGN ITEMS.

Australian and n.b. cable association

CHINESE PARLIAMENT. PEKING, Aug. 2

After several years interval, the Chinese Parliament has re-assembled at Wuchingticn The Chairman, addressing the House of Representatives, exhorted the members to vote and act honestly and fearlessly. One of the most important tasks will be the forming of a constitution.

ANGLO-FRENCH TROUBLE. LONDON, Aug. 2,

Lord Cfawford, replying to a question iti the House of Lords, and t—lt was a fact that the French authorities in Paris had arrested some British subjects and forced them into military service. This was the outcome ot certain decrees passed in 1921, which had been challenged, and would be submitted to arbitration. If France refused, he intended to appeal to the Leaguo of Nations.

POWER. OF WIRELESS. LONDON, August 3An Air Ministry expert, interviewed pointed out that just as the Agamemnon, with no one aboard, was steered by means of wireless, operated from a. torpedo boat, so important experiments are being carried out in Britain with a view to the application of the same method to bomb-carrying aeroplanes. In France recently, it was siad an unoccupied flew for three hundied miles unaided by any human agency, except a wireless operator at the base, It was believed that in the near future war planes will be simply flying bombs, directed at and made to discharge bombs over, any distant objective, w i exactitude, by means of wireless. Theie is nothing to stop such a machine, except a direct hit by land gun. Such machines could 1)0 produced most cheaply, not needing careful building or testing. It is believed the next naval War will see torpedoes and ramming vessels controlled and steered by wireless from aeroplanes thousands of feet above. . . Claude Graham White, interviewed, said that the Agammenon trials had proved that the nation with largest air force would control ocean traffic in the noxt war. The surface of the ocean would still need guarding, but not by super dreadnoughts or superHoods.

RUSSIAN GOLD. STOCKHOLM, August 2.

The “Aftonblad” states tbat forty million gold roubles worth of stolen Russian church treasure is being sent to London and the United States.

Lloyd george and frame (Received this day at 12.25 p.m.) LONDON, August 3

Lloyd George, speaking regarding reparations in the Commons, welcomed M. Poineaire’s decision to bring a definite French offer to Monday’s con ference. Mr Lloyd George demanded a free hand in consideration thereof, and emphasised the danger of driving Cor many overfar, hut at the same time lie strongly resisted the idea oi reducing Germany's payments at Britain's sole expense. Britain could not afford to sec fair play for everyone except her own people

PARIS, August 3

Despite M. Poincnire’s tlireat rallied on the 2nd, the Reparations Commission decided to postpone consideration of the question whether Germany had defaulted in-the payment due on the lqth, until after the London Conl 'ience.

CRICKETERS’ WAGES.

(Received this day at 11.30 a.m.) . LONDON, Aug. 3

Owing to the handsome salaries that have to he paid to professional cricketers in consequence of Parkin's salary when he played for Rochdale, the Central Lancashire League has decided that professional wages must he reduced.

PRISONERS’ APPEAL DISMISSED (Received this day at 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, Aug 3.

The Court of Criminal Appeal dismissed the appeal h.v Field Marshall "Wilson’s assassins against the death sentence. The prisoners did not appear. The ground of appeal were solely on a question of law.

FRENCH PROGRAMME. (Received this day at 10.15 a.m.) PARIS, Aug. 3

The “Petit Parisenne” says the (French programme at the London Conference is divided into two sections, firstly, a definite settlement of the German debt, linked with an eventual settlement of Interallied debts- secondly, steps to control o! eGrman finance. The “Petit Parisienne” adds that France wdl announce her readiness to ask Germany for reparation for material damages only. France is prepared to forfeit twelve billion francs in gold, wine i the Allies ewe her, on condition that England and America do not claim the money lent to France during the war. The French plan for control of German finance consists of a monetary reform, control of- customs and lew on German capital. ITALY’S STRIKE. (Received this day at 10.15 a.m.) ROME, Aug 2.

Despite its failure, the strike situation is critical. The Fascist) ultimatum expires at mid-night. All lasc-is-ti deputies have returned to their constitenc-ies for the purpose of demanding reprisals, unless the strike manding reprisals, unless the strike is" called off. If the Government fa.ils to accede to the demands for dealing with the strikers, the Fascisti intend to take matters into their own hands. Some threaten to burn trade union headquarters, occupying the Chamber of Deputies and various Ministries C’hapibers. at present guarded. by troops and machine guns, while cavalry and infantry are encamped near •the Coliseum.; Meainwliile the Fascist! are running public conveyances. There are quaint scenes in the streets, elegant Fascisti youths, dressed in the height of fashion, driving motor-bus-es, while at Milan Colonels, Professors, barristers' md students Wo driving -fcyftjncars, no fares being charged

A BTG ESTATE. I.ONDON, Aug. 3. The estate of Daniel Coates, the Paisley thread manufacturer was valued at £1,234,000. The duty payable is £365,009.

A TRIBUTE. » PARIS, Aug 2

Two hundred visiting school mistresses from Australia and New Zealand deposited a wreath on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

allied action. (Received this day at 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, August 3. The " Times” Constantinople correspondent states a Greek patrol which occupied Sarikeny evacuated it after four hours parley with a, French officer. Chatalja front was apparently quiet. More British troops are entrain ing for Chatalja position. Five battleships of the Mediterranean Fleet are cruising off San Stefano and Chebinaji the-southern extremity lines.

■vF.AMENS CONFERENCE

(Received this flay at 1.30 p.m.)

PARIS, August 3

The International Seamen’s Conference has decided to issue a manifesto demanding a forty-eight hour week, and fixed minimum wage, but rejected a French proposal for militant action to enforce demands.

GERMAN REPLY. (Received this day at 1.30 p.m.) BERLIN, August 3. Government is drafting a reply to M. Poincnive’s note, contending the threatened -an. tions are illegal ns they cannot know before the fifteenth, whether Germany really will default.