BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 June 1924, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS.

LATEST CABLE NEWS

AUSTRALIAN AND N' Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION SINGAPORE BASE. LONDON, June 18. In the House of Commons, replying to a question by Lord Curzon. Mr Ammon said be was aware that the plant collected tor the Singanore base lias been offered for sale. The coutinigenev of the scheme having to be proceeded with, in certain events, have not been overlooked, anti no oilers would be accepted which would be likely to involve the State in a loss, and be added that nothing which bad been done would prejudice future action. The plant offered included everything which would deteriorate by keeping. MU BALDWIN'S APPEAL. (Received this day at If).2d a. 111.) LONDON, June 10. Mr Baldwin was the principal guest at the Australian and New Zealand ('lull luncheon, lie begged the overseas people not to take last night’s parliamentary vote oil the preference proposals to mean “We in Britain do not care.” He believed the country had never been more eager to learn things about the Empire and he was most forcibly struck during the debate by testimonies to that interest which we might vainly have looked for some years ago in Britain. The opposition would cordially co-operate with the Government in the hitler’s expressed desire to carry out one of the most essential things, namely, lo spread I lie Empire’s population more evenly in various parts. WE.\I BLEY COM I ’ETITIONS. LONDON. June IP. The public continue to throng the Rotleo contests, notwithstanding the elimination of steer roping and considerable agitation which is fed by the casualties to competitors. The steer roping was continued privately, when another steer was killed, having its neck broken, and a third broke its horn. fit the Commons .Mr Henderson was closely questioned by objectors to the steer roping contests at Wemhlev. lie said not only the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, but the police were applying for summonses in respect to cases of alleged cruelty. He had no power to prohibit such contests, hut he had strongly requested the Rodeo authorities to suspend steer roping until the summonses were disposed of. (“Sydney Sun” Cables'. LONDON, June IP. .Mr Lloyd George’s support of the lour preference resolutions is causing much comment. It is regarded as heralding changes ill the political atmosphere. Some Labourites are pressing Parliament to vote money to enable Ministers and others to visit the dominions and colonies during the recess. It is felt that uiitrnveiled members, particularly Labourites, lack tfie first hand knowledge necessary to deal with Imperial questions.

THE REASON WHY. MR .MACDONALD’S WARNING. LONDON, June 10. That a woman is at the bottom of the Anglo-Mexican trouble appeared from Mr MacDonald’s statement in the House of Commons. Tie said that .Mexico accused Mr Cummins of writing insulting letters and demanded his immediate withdrawal. The letters which Mr MacDonald read related to an attempt by the Mexican Government to dispossess a Brtiishcr, -Mrs Evans, of her farm. Mr MacDonald said there was nothing objectionable ill the letters. If the Foreign Olliee objected to such communications there would soon he no diplomatic relations at all. The Mexican Government's behaviour was inexcusable. It threatened to break into the legation bv the lOtli.. it Mr Cummins did not surrender. Mr Ala'.Dona Id warned tin* Mexican Consul-General of tbe gravity ot such a step and requested that action should lie suspended until Sir T. Holder's mission arrived. The .Mexican Government refused, but United States at AH' MacDonald's request had arranged for the r.nfc withdrawal of -Mr Cummins ami to take charge of the Legation. .Mr MacDonald emphasised the necessity for protecting British subjects, a ltd safeguarding the British Governments dignity, ami euiielmled “I am not unite sure what has haimcncd to Mrs Eavus. Imt- it is believed she has not met with harm. The whole stm-v is a most romantic one. Cummins' letter said she was left defenceless and alone, except for the assistance of a brave yomiji Americim.”