AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 March 1923, Page 3

AMERICAN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN ANI> N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. U.S.A. AND SOVIET. WASHINGTON, March 21. Addressing <lO delegates from the Women’s International League "f Pence and Freedom, who have come l < urge the recognition of Russia. Mr Hughes (U.S.A. Secretary) said the Soviets must cease to threaten the world with destructive propaganda, and there must be good faith and recognition of obligations on a- sound basis of international intercourse, before the United .States could recognise the Soviet. Mr Hughes quoted Soviet lenders to the effect that the Russian revolution was merely the prelude to world revolution. “I wish.” lie said, ‘‘that I might be lei vc such efforts have been abandoned. Our Government alter the first recognition, loaned 187,000.000 of dollars to the Kerensky Government. Now what did the Soviet authorities do? A decree in J9lB annulled foreign loans. Now the United States is not a harsh creditor, but indulgence is one thing and repudiation is another.” Referring to the recent changes in the Russian economic laws, which some deem adequate for the Soviet’s recognition, Mr Hughes admitted that they were more than adequate, and would create a condition which would support trade and industry in Russia. Mr Hughes indicated that the T nitod States was indifferent to the character or form of the Soviet Government. He said:—“Not only do we recognise the right of the Russian people to develop their own institution, but any interference therein would he futile. The salvation of Russia cannot be contrived outside and injected by inches. Russia’s only hope lies in Russian action.”

NAVAL rivalry. WASHINGTON, March 21. Mr Hughes (U.S. .Secrearyj in a speech at Ncwhaveii. on 'December 29th last referred to the changes made in British capital ships after the Washington Conference. However, upon representations from Sir A. Geddes (British Minister) ho to-day issued a statement correcting an impression which bis remarks had made. Mr Hughes had said that, in n considerable number of the British ships, bulges had been fitted, and the elevation of the turret guns had been increased, and the turret loading arrangements had been modified to conform with the increased elevation. Mr Hughes explains that, in making this statement, he relied upon specific information that was obtained irom the XJ.S.A. Navy Department, which, he believed to lie correct. The British Government had informed the State Department categorically that no alterations had been made in the elevation of the turret guns of any British capital ships since they had first been placed in commission,, and further that no additional deck protection had been provided since June, 1922. the date oi tire Washington Treaty.

bootlegger gaoled. [Deceived this day at 10.30 f in ) NEAV YORK, March 22. One o£ the harshest punishments yet imposed upon a violator of the Volstead ui-ajaw, was pronounced by Jmlge Kilto* lits' at Cleveland, Ohio, when he sentenced Joseph Biemer of Pittsburg to two years in the Federal prison, and fined him ten thousand dollars and costs. The Judge scathingly attacked the prisoner, saying—-“ One witness has declared you the biggest bootlegger in Pittsburg, and you have not denied it That is a title you have to pay dearly for.” The Judge also denounced the attorney for defending or asking mercy for a client whom he knew to be guilty. A SENATOR’S VIEWS. 'Received this dnv at 11.30 a.m.) NEAV YORK. March 21. Speaking at Philadelphia. Air Pepper, a newly chosen member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said there was nothing in the record of the International Court to justify the hopes of those who see in it an effective substitute for war. the machinery of the League aiming to compel parties to agree when they do not wish to agree, ft has uniformly failed in every crisis which has since arisen, but even yet it may be that the adherence of United States to this new institution may have n wholesome effect upon the sentiment of the world.