OIL SCANDAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 March 1924, Page 3

OIL SCANDAL.

CHANGES AND DENIALS. FURTHER. COMPLICATION. AUSTRALIAN AM) N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION (Iteeeived this day at 10. do a.m.) Washington, .March s. A telegram from Ira Bonnot, editor ot I lie Washington “Host” to Colonel MeI.emi, the Washington no"'.s| |!, per ou nei'. "a« discussed I>y the Senate Committee inquiring into the oil leases scandal. 'I he* telegram read : “Saw principal and delivered message. He says, greatly appreciated. Sends regards to you and wiiir wife. There will he no rocking ol lie Imnt and no resignations.” .Mr Bonnet. examined, denied that “principal” mentioned was (’resident CneJidge. lint referied to Senator Curtis, the Republican Whip. Itennet. howe'er, admitted that the phrases “no recking of the boat” and “no resignations,” were his own interpretation of President Coolidge’s opinions following upon a Conference the President had nit.i him and other journalists, lie explained a nmnhcr of other coded messages sent Me I/o:i n, hut the situation was coin|Mieiited hy the exchange ol other personal friendly telegrams lietween .Mr (,'oolidge and McLean. Senator Curtis, examined. denied llennet’s statement that lie was the -fSH principal referred to. In view of this denial Itennet will he re-examined, it'so Mcf.ean.

The Committee has directed the Tt lcgraph Coy. to supply copies of fae telegrams that passed between the wile of Senator Fall, a former member of the Cabinet and the wives of others concerned in the oil transactions. The Senate lias started a new investigation. it has summoned Leonard Wood Junior, son of General Wood, and others, who authorised the publication of the story that General Mood was oll'ered nomination for the Republican National Convention in 1020 by the oil interests if he would appoint Jake Jlammon, one of their number, a.s Secretary for the Interior. In other words, that the oil interests coni rolled that Convention when President [fardino was finally selected after a series of deadlocks.