BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 15 December 1924, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

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[Beuteiis Telegrams.] .1A PA X E3E CRITICISM. OF SINGAPORE BASE. TOKIO, December 12. The announcement of a decision to proecctl with the Singapore Base has rcintonsiiied press comments against the scheme, which with the American naval manoeuvres in 1925, have l>een a constant topic of discussion for several weeks post. The view is practically unanimous that the construction of the base will lie productive of more harm than good because it is contrary to the spirit and letter of the Washington agreements and is likely to create misunderstanding and repromote the armaments race. The “Jiji” while recognising that Singapore is purely a British domestic concern draws attention to the possibility of misunderstanding on the part of Japanese who despite the absence of an alliance, always regard Britain’s rcsjiect and friendship. The paper quotes Earl Grey’s earlier indictment of the scheme, which it declares represents the views of Japan. In this regard “Cliugai” exjiresse.s the opinion that the alleged reason for the base, namely for the defence of Australia, is unjustifiable ill view of the Washington quadruple agreement which renders Australia immune from attack. The “Kokumin” declares that Japan will have to modify her defence policy, while “Yamato” asserts the base nullifies the naval ratios agreed oil at Washington to ensure the safety of Japan. A CHINESE MANDATE. PEKIN. December 2.

A mandate dismisses Chihli, leader leader of Chihsichyunn from the post of Tuchuii Kiangati. and appoints Luynil Ghsiang who fled in October, after fighting near Shanghai. The pacification Commissioner for Kiangsu Anhui who means the leader of the expedition is against Cliih.sicliyiia.il. It f. s finderstood Chang Tsolin is placing forty thousand troops at J.uymigshiang’s disposal, one brigade whereof have already started for Nanking. The mandate orders the disbandment of eight divisions and six mixed brigades formerly commanded by AVnpeifu. SOVIET MINISTER TO FRANCE. PARIS, December 13. Krassin has presented his credentials as Soviet ' Ambassador to President Doinnorgue. N.Z. FARMER'S DEATH. LONDON, December 13. Thomas McLelhind, a retired New Zealand farmer, recently arrived to spend his last days in Britain, dropped tlead in Belfast. The police searched his lodgings, and found large sums of cash and cheques, and share certificates. They are endeavouring to trace the relatives. ALLIES CONEEBENCE. ‘ LONDON, December 12. Reuter's Paris correspondent says the Conference of tlio Allied Finance Commissioners, provided by the Dawes plan, has definitely been fixed for January Kith. TELEPATHY. LONDON, December If. Experiments in telepathy conducted by the Earl of Balfour and Professor Gilbert Murray were narrated at a meeting of the Psychical Research Society. The distinguished couple had sat ill separate rooms. When Lord Balfour was ready Professor Murray was summoned. lie told Lord Balfour what ho had been thinking about. The subjects were most obscure. Lord Balfour, said that these experiineuts proved conclusively that there was a totally unknown, unexplained, and uncomet lined method of traversin.- -spare between two sell-conscious organisms, whereon neither theory of sound, electricity, or any other theory could at present throw light. A MASTERPIECE. LONDON, December 13. A portrait by Rembrandt’s pupil, Carol Fahritius, which was auctioned at Christie’s, has been acquired for the national gallery for 0300 guineas. While the world has been scoured for Fahritius’ portraits, this entry at the sale was inserted by a modest family living at Swintnn, who sent it to Christie’s with a request to put it up I'm" auction, if it were worth anything. Mrs Urewcrlon, the wife of the fortunate owner, did not conceal her elation as the bidding mounted up. STATEMENT BY MUSSOLINI. ROME'. Deecmlier 11.

During the Senate debate on the Foreign Office estimates. Premier Mussolini, referring to debts and reparations. said it wws neither human nor just to grant facilities to Germany and not to the Allies. He hinted at the possibility of Italy asking for an increase of ten per cent, allowed her at the Spa conference on' the Gorman reparations. Regarding the Genova. Protocol, be expressed the opinion that it should be studied very carefully because of its delicate character, and the undertakings involved. THE AMERICAN CLAIMS. PARIS, December 11. Press reports regarding the inclusion in the Dawes Plan of American war claims elicited a statement from the Minister of Finance that Fra neo-Ameri-can conversations on October 25 re* cognised the principle of such claims but no figure was mentioned. The whole question would he submitted to an inter-Allied conference of Finance Ministers. Anyhow there can bo no question of the American claim being treated more expeditiously than tile French.

IRISH LIQUOR LAW. LONDON, December 13. The Irish .Senate has not accepted the Dail Kireann’s Liquor Bill Amendment. This holds up the Bill for nino months, thus retaining the present closing hour of 9.30. and forbidding any sales on St. Patrick’s Day. END OF BATTLESHIP. LONDON. December 13. The Admiralty have decided to use the battleship Monarch to lie destroyed under the Washington Agreement, as a target in highly confidential gunnery exercises, wherein the results of the war’s lessons will be tested. TRAIN TRAGEDY. LONDON, December 13. The Scotch express clashed into a motor car at a level crossing, near C’rawe. The three occupants of the ear were killed instantly, their bodies being hurled fifty yards. The car was entangled in the front of the engine.

POLAND’S AVAR DEBT. LONDON; December 13. It is learned from authoritative Polish sources that tbe Anglo-Polish agreement for the repayment of Poland’s debt to Britain provides for a reduction in the interest from six to five per cent., with the repayment of the whole debt within fifteen years.