AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 December 1923, Page 2

AMERICAN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN ANI) N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION AAIKim AN REFUSAL. WASHINGTON. Dec. 18. The Fluted States Secretary of State, Al.r ('. 15. Hughes, informed the Russian Soviet, officials, in a .statement transmitted through the United States Consul at Koval, that there would seem at this time no reason for negotiations with the Soviet Government, such as were suggested in the message from the Soviet Foreign Minister. Air Hughes said: “ The American Government is not proposing to barter away its principles. If the Soviet is ready to restore confiscated American property, or make compensation therefor. or repeal the decree repudiating Russia’s obligations to the l idled Stales, it can do so. No coiiloronee is required to accomplish those results, which Moscow should achieve as evidence of good faith." Mr Hughes reiterated his insistence that the Soviet should discontiue its alleged subversive propaganda. The Secretary’s sharp language surprised officials, who had expected a conciinlory, even complaisant-, tone. They were equally bewildered by Air Hughe’s earlier statement of conditions requisite to any discussion about recognition, and by his apparent- demand for tlic fulilmont of those conditions before conversations regarding such as was suggested in the message. REFUSAL OF RECOGNITION. WASHINGTON, December 19. The State Department publishes intci(opted instruction from Russia to the Workers’ Party in America, detailing plans for a revolution in America, viz., “Raise the Red Flag over the White House! Organise lighting units among the industrial workers, which in one week can be instructed in shooting and sapper work. Such will p.'epare thousands of new propagandists for future leaders of military loKes of the party’s faithful fighters during tiie social revolutionary!" As the authorities arc convinced the documents came Irom the Russian Soviet. it is believed to he the principal reason why Secretary Hughes has ivlused to recognise the Soviet. Al. Tchiteherin is said to have declared in Moscow that he believed the majority oi' Americans wanted to recognise Russia hut Charles Hughes is still using hi, influence against Russia.'' Washington. December ml Rejection by the Secretary, Mr Hughes, of the Russian overtures for recognition by the United States has intensified feeling over the question here, and has increased the bitterness against the F.S.A. Secretary by a strong Senatorial (.lomcMl. headed by Senator Boiali. H is expected the question will he discussed in the Senate soon.

TWO BAI.K CHAMPIONSHIP. NEW YORK, Dec. 20. At Chiocago Willie Hoppe retained the world’s eigtheen two balk clianipionship, defeating Walter Cochrane by I AOO to 1101. BRITISH AVIATION. A DUKE’S VIEW. {Received this day at 0.0 a.m.) NEW YORK, Dec. 20. Group Captain Christie (Air Attache to the British Navy) gave a dinner to the Duke of Sutherland, who said the British Empire should appreciate the value of living more than anybody, because the Empire’s strength lies in the Dominions, which require quick intercommunication and the safety of the imperial trade routes.. Cam*lutlifi£, tin* Puke said: “Avialion ended Britain's insularity. She is now part of Continental Europe, like Franco and Germany. Through air defence and commercial living, Britain proposes to link the Dominions together just as Britain is linked to the Continent. Britain regards flying as essential to commerce and shipping, <ooks upon air rivalry ns romnieruial eompetition.