AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 May 1923, Page 2

AMERICAN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. FRANCE’S PROTEST TO AMERICA PARTS, May 5. The French Government has sent a strong protest to Washington against the new liquor-on-ships ruling, which it declares is contrary to international law. WASHINGTON, May 5. France’s protest re the Supreme Court’s decision (cabled 30 April) has keenly embarrassed tho administration and brought forth a practical admission that the Government does not expect strictly to enforce the law against foreign vessels. It is hinted that the State Department hoped to avoid international friction by tactfully ignoring infringements, but Poincares’ ~ action in protesting without waiting for an overt act unexpectedly upset President- Harding’s and Mr Hughes’ plan. Mr Whitehouse. as spokesman, has intimated that President Harding recognises that the law must he applied to foreign ships with consideration for other nations, and is confident that no diplomatic complications will arise. This is construed to mean that the United States will avoid them.

THE PROHIBITION LAW. NEW YORK. May 5. The New York State Assembly passed a Bill repealing the State Prohibition Enforcement Law by iG to il. 'I he repealed measure provided more strict penalties than were provided 111 the Federal Volstead Law, broad powers ]>eing vested in civic police, such as search and arrest without warrant. The new situation means that prohibition enforcement in New York Stato will he left largely to the Federal authorities. . , r W VSHINGTON, May o. The Federal Prohibition Bureau declares that apart altogether from the repeal of tho New York Enforcement Law. the police and State officials are sworn to uphold the Federal Constitution, of which the Eighteenth Amendment is a part. It- is stated that the citv authorities will demand the continuance of the enforcement.

BRITAIN’S DEBT TO U.S.A. WASHINGTON, May 5. The American debt commission conferred with Sir Auckland Geddes, when thev discussed modifications suggebv the British Cabinet. These are declared to be of minor importance, dealin«- with tho form in which Britain shall notify the United States alien sh intends to make payments, and whether l>v cash or otherwise.