BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 January 1924, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CARLE ASSOCIATION. BRITAN AND FRANCE. MR MacDONALD’S POLICY. LONDON, Jan. 2D. A “Politcal Observer.” writing in tho “Daily 'Telegraph,” reveals that Mr MacDonald, as soon as lie was installed at the Foreign Office, addressed M. Poincare. French Premier, a remarkable straight-forward letter, wherein la* did not blink the AngloFrench difference, but- offered to meet M. Poincare half way in an attempt to reach a final, complete*, clean settlement. expressing a readiness lo discuss all outstanding questions.

Tlie “Daily Telegraph” adds:—M. Poincare's reply was awaited with some anxiety, because ii is not the first time a British Prime Minister lias stretched out his hand for a friendly grasp. Fortunately. M. Poincare rereplied in the same Iriendly tone as Mr Mat Donald. Unlike the rank and file of tlie Labour Party, Mr MacDonald lias a good imdei'st anding ol France’s difficulties, lie realises that by Britain and Pniied State- wilhdra wing from tlu* j>a*-i <»I st*uurity tor Franco against Uurmauv. then- von* caused many of tho pivsmit isiierna* tional -troubles, llr i*? oj» posed to any attempt to intimidate or isolate France, believing in nation i»>tead of isolation. Mr MacDonald hopes to gain F renth participaton in a general movement towards disarmv.meid. LONDON, Jan. JO.

The “Daily Telegraph’s*' Pari* eorrospomlent says:—There is every likelihood that the correspondence between Mr MacDonald and M. Poincare (already tabled) will be published.

LABOrirs FIRST TASK. LONDON, January JO

Mr Ramsay 'MacDonald, speaking at Carlisle, en route to Edinburgh, said that t.lit* (loveruinont had inherited a -great mess which it was its duty to t-U*ar up in accordance ■with Labour principles. “Rome,*’ he said, ‘‘was not built in a day. 1 think we have made a good beginning. "We were told that when wo came into office the whole of England was going to wrack and rum. The more we have of such, wrack and ruin as we have had lor the last lew days, the better it will he for England.’’

•SOVIET’ TO BE 1 RECOGNISED, LONDON, January 30.

The “Daily Herald’s” political corre.spomleut under the heading “Soviet Republic to be Recognised.” writes: T here is nothing to justify the assertion 11 •11 there are any steps in preparation for the recognition of the Soviet Government. The stories circulated to the elfect that a inisison of inevstigation will lie sent to Moscow are ridiculous. Toe Government intends no such step, for the question has already been decided.