BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1923, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. BRITISH POLITICS. LONDON, July 31. The “Daily Express” states that Mr Roberts (Labour M.P. for West Broin- <f with) and Mr Evans (National Liberal) have decided to join the Conservatives,

LIBERAL CAMPAIGN,

LONDON, July 31. The ‘'Westminster Gazette” announces that the Liberal Parliamentary Party, Mr. Asquith presiding, decided to campaign the country during the recess, concentrating on the advocacy of a final settlement of the reparations. indebtedness, disarmament and security, problems of free trade, land v* reform, and better industrial conditions.

DOCK STRIKERS RESUME,

LONDON, July 30. The dockers have resinned at all tho \ ports mainly affected by the strike, except London and Manchester, where the men, who are still in the hands of self-constituted Committees, have passed resolutions to continue the strike; but the Tilbury docs is again normal.

Ain MINISTRY

LONDON, July 30.

The “Daily Express” says there is good reason to believe that Air Marshal Trc-nchard will resign if the -report of the -sub-committee of Imperial Defence Committee is acted upon.

LITTLE ENTENTE AND POLAND. BUCHAREST, July 30. Monsieur Biltz has arrived at Sinaia to represent Poland regarding the frontier differences between Poland ana Czecho-Slovakia, which are hindering a closer bond between the Little ten to and Poland. The conference discussed the frontier between Rumania and Jugo-Slavia, and also the question of exchanging liens on Hungarian property for it strict control of Hungarian finances, thus enabling Hungary to raise a loan.

A COLLIERY FIRE

LONDON, July 30.

The cause of the Maltby Main Colliorv explosion is uncertain, but it is believed to have been due to ignition of an accumulation of gas in the mine by a naked light. The fire is still bunt; ing freely. The mine is being sealed down.

KENYA COLONY. DELHI, July 30. Despite strong official opposition, the Indian Assembly has passed a retaliatory measure in respect to Kenya colony, in Africa (where separate zenes for Indians; native and white inhabitants are suggested). The mover of the measure said he wished to make the segregation of dominions’ subjects obligatory, but an amendment was accepted making segregation permissive, tlie Government to draw up regulations.

MR LLOYD GEORGE ATTACKED ROME, July 31.

The “Giorale d’ltalia,” commenting on Mr Lloyd George’s article on tho Lausanne Treaty, says: “The ex-Pre-mier seems to forget that ho was responsible for the Greek reverse. It was Mr Lloyd George who sent the Greeks to Smyrna, thus violating ,the Treaty of San Giovcnni. which- assigned Smyrna to Italy. It is imprudent on his part to speak of an Italian renouncement of her position. Unfortunately, Signor Sonnino had not only to contend with Mr Lloyd George, M. iClcmcnceau and Mr Wilson (who preferred Greece to iFalyj, but he was nob-

properly supported by public opinion in Italy, which was poisoned by props** ganda. Mr Lloyd George had better keep silent. Ho is the real author o the Treaty of Lausanne, which is bringing the Turks hack to Europe.”

A FAMOI; US DIAMOND. LONDON, July 33. Te “Daily Chronicle’s” Paris correspondent states that litigation between the King of Italy and the exEmpress Zita of Austria is likely over a famous diamond, “The Florentine,” weighing 139 i carats; The -Empress Zita desires to sell it, but the King refuses to permit this, on tlie ground that the Kingdom of Italy has the sole

right over this historic gem, which . Charles the Bold of Burgundy carried during the siege of Nancy. After a battle, a peasant found the diamond on the Duke’s body, and sold it to a Jew for three gold pieces. Later, it came into the hands of Catherine of Medici, and thus to the Hapsburgx. , When the ex-Eniperor Charles fled, ho took the Diamond to Switzerland, and pawned it at a Swiss hank. Later, it was sent to Rome, as Italy claimed it under the Treaty of Versailles.

THE SUSPENDED -COMMONERS. LONDON, July 3o The four suspended Memliei's went to the House of Commons, and were told that they could not lie admitted. They then wont away. Tt is understood that the Government will move the termination of their suspension to-morrow. LONDON, July 31. The four suspended Commoners arrived in a taxicab, but the jailice pre- , vented them entering the palace yard. Mr Maxton angrily protested and delivered an excited speech to a big„y crowd which gathered. It is understood that Mr Baldwin decided to waive the demand for an * apology before removing the suspension.

CONFERENCE DISCUSSIONS. LONDON, July 30,

A resolution signed by over one hundred Conservative Memlicrs of the House of Commons has been presented to Mr Baldwin, requesting an assurance from the Government that the Empire will he discussed in its broadest aspect, and that no proposals with this purpose in view shall bo barred »» the Economic Conference.

IRISH ELECTIONS. LONDON, July 30. Tlie Irish elections take place short-

The Dail Eireann will dissolve at the end of the present week.

During a debate on the Flogging Bill in the Irish Senate, the Labourites protested against giving the military such powers when peace had been established. General o’Higgins, in replying, rend a letter, which had lieon intercepted from Frank Aitken, who was Mr do Valera’s Chief-of-Rtnff, and which expressed the opinion that the rifle and the revolver are obsolete as offensive weapons. The Republicans, it stated, should concentrate on the use of explosives, gas and fires, and also small trench mortars. "If we have to fight another war with the South,” tho letter proceeded, “it will have to be short and sweet, or units will need to be trained for taking the offensive in bodies.” It is believed this letter will have an important influence on the coming Irish elections.