BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1924, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

ITJSTHALIAN ANT) N.Z. CAULK ASSOCIATION. LABOUR AND PEACE TERMS. LONDON, Fjob. 2d. Mr Lloyd George, Sir Ronald McNeill and others closely questioned Mr Macdonald, in the House of Commons, regarding Air A. Henderson’s recent speech at Burnley, referring to the revision of the Ycrsaillels Treaty. Mr Macdonald said that he had only seen the press reports of the speech Mr Henderson's rpr-.i:!' had n:t been passed by the Cabinet. The Government's foreign policy hud not changed. He would only be responsible for a policy as outlined at the opening of the session.

The newspapers are featuring the incident as a repudiation of a fellow member of the Cabinet by the Prime Minister.

The “Daily Chronicle’s” Parliamntary correspondent says:—-“The Labourites listened to Mr Macdonald’s replies in a. troubled silence. All had demanded the revision of the Treaty during the elections, and all thought that was the Government’s policy, and they did not like this repudiation of Air Henderson at the critical stage of his by e-election. A fortnight ago they would have protested angrily. They arc becoming used to Air Macdonald’s finesse.”

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. (Received this dnv at 8 n.rn.) LONDON, Feb. 25. In the House of Commons, Mr MacDonald said that the telegram published in Melbourne alleging that certain instructions were given to officers of the Special Service Squadron were not sent from any official source. The thing had all the appearance of a hoax. Mr Bollairs suggested that in view of tlie Imperial communications and trade dealt, with, so as to extend the existing preferences, the Colonial Secretary should suggest the removal of the Australian Government charge of fivepenoe per word royalty on cables by the Eastern Telegraph.

Mr Thomas (Colonial Secretary) replying, recalled that the PostmasterGeneral at the Imperial and Economic Conference stated it was his opinion that a reduction of this charge would stimulate cable communication with Australia, and Mr Bruce (Federal Premier) was asked to re-examine the question, but was unable then to commit his Government.

Questioned regarding the Government’s policy in respect to the Imperial airship scheme, Mr Macdonald said that a special sub-committee of the Cabinet was examining the question. The Government was fully alive to the importance of an early decision, hut it must have time to do its work thoroughly so that its concessions would bo sound.

Replying to Mr Ropnor, Mr Macdonald said the Government at present did not intend to subsidise air transport companies in the Colonies or to make grants to Colonial Governments towards the support of colonial air lines.

AGREEMENT WITH GERMANY. [Reuters Telegrams.] 'Received this day at S a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 25. liv the House of Commons Mr Graham announced that an agreement has been reached with Germany whereby the rate of the British reparations’ levy on imports from Germany will be reduced from 26 to 5 per cent from 26th February. Germany agrees to compensate German exporters later and make it a punishable offence to charge any part of the levy to the British importer. Customs receipts respecting imports prior to the 20th will be reimbursed by Germany in gold bonds.