BRITISH PREMIER.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1923, Page 3

BRITISH PREMIER.

[Reuters Telegrams.] UNDERGOES SLIGHT OPERATION (Received this dav at 12.45 p.m.) LONDON, May 21 Official.—Mr Bonar Law to-day underwent a slight operation to his throat, otherwise his condition is unchanged. M. POINCARE’S MESSAGE. (Received this dav at 12.15 p.m A PARIS, May 21 M. Poincare telegraphed to Mr Bonar Law, saying, “France profoundly regrets your health should have necessitated your resignation of the Prime Ministership. We shall never forgot that despite the dilfcrenco in tho method pursued during the recent months by the two countries in the execution of the Treaty of Versailles, You contributed all your forces towards maintaining intact the alliancenecessary to the tranquility of the world. I shall never forget that you never failed to recognise our point of view regarding the reparations and constantly realised our pacific intentions. I sincerely hope your health will speedily recover.’” NEWSP APE R TRIB UTK S. (Received this dav at 12.45 p.m.) 'PARIS, May 21 The newspapers unanimously eulogise Mr Bonar Law’s high character, unscrupulous honesty, loyalty, and the value of his efforts to avoid an AngloFrench breach over the Ruhr question. 'flic “Figaro” says; “If Mr Bonai Law’s Cabinet was not always favourable to France it played its role without trickery. Mr Bonar Law was never wanting in that benevolent neutrality he promised France. We do not regard the advent of Lord Purzon an. favou rably. The “Echo do Paris” Berlin correspondent says tfie resignation is likely to have a serious repercussion on Germany who will have no illusions with Lord Curzon in power. THE POLITICAL SITUATION. (Received this day at 12.45 p.m.) LONDON, May 21 It is unlikely that a new Premier will be appointed before Tuesday or Wednesday morning. An official statement, issued to-day, says tiiat the King is in communication with those whose opinions he would naturally seek in the exceptional circumstances which preclude him seeing and consulting the outgoing' Premier. Many Ministers, including Lord Curzon and Mr Baldwin are still absent in the country and there will Ire no definite action taken until their views are obtained, hut It is known that the King is anxious to fill the vacancy ,at Die earliest possible moment. •Speculation, regarding the snccessot to Mr Bonar Law, is narrowing to Lord Curzon, Mr Baldwin, and Mr Balfour. A test of Conservative opinion shows the supporters of Lord Curzon and Mr Baldwin are numerically equal. Unless a compromise is effected there'is a feeling that Mr Bat, lour will lie asked to again lead the Conservatives. Whoever succeeds Mr Bonar Law must ho formally elected Leader of the Conservatives. It is usual in the case of resignation under such circumstances for the whole of the Ministers constituting the Government to notify their resignations also. Therefore the new Premier is a free agent. Mr Bonar Law is likely to hand the King his resignation as Minister and will he followed by his list of appointments which, it is believed, will be nearly identical with the present Ministry.