BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 October 1924, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

LATEST CABLE NEWS

HOSTILE MOTIONS. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, October 2. Two crises, each involving the fate of the Government, have come on the scene together. One is -Mr Asquith's Russian motion, which, in view of Air MacDonald's Derby speech, may well have the .most serious consequences. The other is the motion of Sir R. norm* and Air Hogg, fiist tabled to tlie elfeet that the conduct of the Government in relation to the withdrawal cf criminal proceedings against the Editor cf tlie “Workers’ Weekly,” is deserving of the censure of tlie House. This latter will he debated on Wednesday. LONDON, Octolur 1. The “Daily Herald” states: "Tho Government will treat the Tory motion as one c.f censure, and if it is carried, Labour will ask tlie King fer a dissolution. and will make a tight for social measures, housing, unemployment, European settlement, and all that L'.wbour stands for.” GENERAL ELECTION EXPECTED. LONDON. Oct-ol>or 1. Tn Liberal,,circles there is a full appreciation that Air Asquith’s Russian motion means the rupture of the lelation.s which tho Liberals have hitherto had with Labour. In effect, it is an ultimatum.

The party managers, consequently, anticipate the early resignation of the GovcrnnienUand a general election. The “Daily Herald” claims that there are 2S Liberal Commoners who are pledged to support the Russian Treaty. The “Daily Express” says that- ATr Asquith's motion to reject the Russian Treaty was a bombshell for Parliament. There is little doubt that Air AlacDonald, who l'.as already dissociated himself from Sir Patrick Hastings, will he compelled to jettison his Attorney-Gen-eral.

WARNING OF BATTLE. LONDON, October. 2. The ‘‘Daily Herald” in a leading arlkle, (amnion ting on the Liberal Parly’s meeting, says: “It is a warning nf coining battle. It leaves no doubt that Air Asquith has made up his wavering mind that an election is imminent, and lias marched his battalions into the Tory camp.”

ASQUITH’S CHARGES. LONDON. October I. Air l.loyd George, Sir .1. Simon and other leaders attended the Liberal party’s meeting. Air Asquith’s attitude was enthusiastically approved. Air Asquith’,s motion refers to dominion trade, and complains that the Russian Treaty threatens to divert icsaurces which arc urgently needed lor national and Imperial development. Air Asquith in his speech, incidentally i-efericd to a passage in the Imperial preference Debate of June IStli, wherein Air Ramsay MacDonald denied 'hat the Government were offering credits to Russia, and in which the Prime Minister added: “Only credulous pcoplo believe that wo are. I am sensitive about this. Tho Dominions should iot misunderstand the charge. It is that

we are giving .special p'.ivilegos to the Russians, and are refusing to give ordinary privileges to the colonies :ml dominions.”

LIBERAL HOSTILITY. TO LOAN FOR RUSSIA. «' LONDON. October L An interesting turn was given to ‘•l.e Anglo-Soviet Treaty controversy by the de.-ision of tlie Liberal Party to submit a motion declaring that, while anxi'uis to support |-ra- l ieahle schemes I.■ i pi-iniotmg An-Jo-Kos-Jan trad", in the si me I -nils is dominion and foreign trade, it i annul approve of a treaty which decs not assist tho unemployment problem, blit diverts resources, and also places on the shoulders of the taxpayer a hiinl'm of liability for a Soviet loan.