BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 August 1923, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z CABLE ASSOCIATION. BRITAIN’S NEW POLICY. WILL SHE BE ISOLATED? LONDON, August 8. The “Daily Telegraph” diplomatic correspondent says:—‘‘This argument is rapidly gaining ground among tho Ministers. True, it approximates to Britnins’ traditional policy of splendd isolation. In reality, there never was any isolation, but merely detachment from continental mid other entanglements not directly affecting British or Imperial interests: Britain trade then did not- depend upon political or foreign relations, and there is no reason why it should so depend now. Tho chief 'European markets are ruined, and are likely to remain so for perhaps o score of years. New - openings must be sought in the Dominions, South America., and China. Our political detachment from Europe would be tempered by our membership in the League of Nations, upon which the Empire’s moral weight is likely to bo all the groator. through our freedom from foreign commitments, and consequent impartiality and disinterestedness. At tho same time, Britain need not renounce her claims against both Germany and the Allies, unless slie made a separate agreement with this or that ally owing to the latter’s circumstances.

SOVIET AND riinss

LONDON, Au K . V. The "Morning Post” complains of the Soviet’s refusal to allow “The Times,” "Morning Post,” or “DailyMail” to enter llussia. The “Daily Herald,” “Manchester Guardian,” “Daily News," “Daily Chronicle,” “Observer.” “New Statesman,” and ' ' “Nation” are the only English papers admitted. NAVAL IUVALKY. PATHS, Aug. 7. The establishment of the British naval base at Singapore is believed to lie the reason which has prompted the French Government to increase its naval power in the Far East. Tt has reconstituted its Ear Eastern division. It. is reported that it is likely to consist of two large armed cruisers, with light craft, mine-layers, a destroyer flotilla, and two squadrons of seaplanes. PORTUGAL’S NEW PRESIDENT. LONDON, August 8. Senor Gomes, the Portuguese Pre-sident-elect, interviewed by the “Morning Post.” said he was sorry to leave England, even for the highest post in Portugal. He had worked 12 years in London. There were ciertain AngloPortugnese matters still outstanding, notably those relating to the vast frontiers of Portugal’s cololiial possessions in Africa. While doing his best for his own nation, ho. would not demand too much from Britain. Ilis policy in Portugal would he to unite the conflicting parties. The people must have imagined, from what they saw in the papers, said Senor Gomes, that there was a revolution in Lisbon every week ami that the President was making a continuous series of flights. Those statements were mostly rumours. Nevertheless, there were dissensions and uncertainties. Senor Gomes is wealthy, and is a noted author ami collector.

TO VISIT KKMAL. CONSTANTINOPLE, Aug. 0 The Socialists here are preparing a great reception for Air Ratnsav AfaeDonald, British Labour I/cader, who arrives on August 24, and later visits Keuial at Angora.