BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 December 1924, Page 2

BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. OAIILE ASSOCIATION FOB 171GN SECRETARY'S STATEMENT. LONDON, December 17. In the House of Commons, the debate on the Address-in-Ueplv was resumed by the i-aboiirite (Mr C. ]’. Trevelyan (bite present of the Board of Education). He attacked tbe Government’s policy towards both Egypt and llitssia. He asked whether Egypt is now really independent. Ho asked also what the Government proposed to do with regard to Russia with which country other countries are now* making commercial agreements. Mr Chamberlain said that his ifliiversations with Premier Horriot, of France, and Premier Mussolini (Italy) had been conducted in the true spirit of the beaguc of Nations, establishing relations of trust and confidence. He emphasised the fact that these conversations had conic as close to an agreement as was possible, but never at the expense of those w ho were not there. He had heard each of the foreign viewpoints regarding the Geneva Protocol. but, for himself, be was unable to express any opinion oil tbe Protocol on liehalf of the f.’ovornnicnt, because the first Cabinet meeting to consider it was only hold oil the day of his departure. Mr Chamberlain said that the inter-A'.lied debts wore not discussed by him abroad. It was not pretended that these conversation* had decided great issues. They had not sought to make any new treaties or come to fresh decisions blit tlies had eliminated some of the small .matters which would have been points of frio tion if they had not reached an agreement to recognise the largeness of their common interests throughout the world .and to resolve each to do their best to prevent the small differences. Which must arise occasionally, from impeding their co-operation in their groator common interests. ’deferring to Air Trevelyan’s speech, the Foreign Secretary said that he had come to the House of Commons to hear a really aiiti-Biritisli declaration. He had received from the foreign statesmen many congratulations on the British attitude in the Egyptian crisis. Mr Chamberlain said that ill the Sudan. Britain must have authority to fulfil obligations, but in Egypt, all that Britain desired was that the Egyptian Government should do their duty. 11 they were willing to do that, then they would find no hotter, firmer, or more loyal friends'than the British Government. and people. (Ministerial cheers). The Government did not desire to interfere with the independence of Egypt, he said, hut wo require that the Kgvptian Government shall work with, not against us. and accept loyally and frankly as a basis of independence, the conditions attached to its grant. If we had to deal with a friendly Egyptian Government, loyal to conditions upon which our co-operation is based, we would invite them to join in an enquiry as to what is the water available for Sudan, alter making fill!

allowance for Egyptian requirements, and would propose a neutral chairman for a Commission upon which Egypt Hint Sudan would bo represented. Mr Chamberlain said he did not think the Egyptian question hi its present -stage, could come before the League of Nations. He pointed out all the effects that would ensue in the Sudan Iroin the suggested application to the League for administration. The Minister also mentioned the Ziimvielf letter, the authenticity of whiili. lie said, was confirmed by four entirely trustworthy sources. He. did not think it opportune to resume negotiations with the Soviet at the present time. Mr Chamberlain added that, coming fresh from thy meetings ol the League Council, be could voice strong confidence in the future of tbe League. Mr Ramsay .Ma' Dooald pressed tbe Government to afford ibe members of the House an opportunity to discuss the Geneva Protocol before consultation with the Dominions, and lie urged the Oh allco I lor of the Exchequer (Mr Churchill) to impress upon the Allies at the forthcoming Finance Conference that it- is necessary to ease the British taxpayers’ burden resulting from tiie Allies’ non-payment of their debts. Mr Bonsonby moved a Labour amendment to the Address, regretting the Government- policy regarding Egypt and Russia. This was rejected hv !!Gff to 812. Mr Chamberlain in tDo House - Commons, said there never would he nil opportunity of getting the original ZiiuiviclF letter. It was reieived and destroyed, by the Communist body here.

AB.AIAAI EXT-3 p.’OB BI'SSIA. LONDON. December IG. In the House of Commons Sir Cunlifl’e lister stated licenses were issued last year for the export of war material to the Soviet, including six hundred A’ickers machine guns. The hulk of the material was shipped late in the spring and summer. The present Government did not intend to issue any licenses for the export of war material to this destination. The ‘‘Daily Express” lobby correspondent reports that the Labour Ministers stale that only limited authority was given for an export to Bussin- from private sources. No surplus war stocks were sent by the Libour Government to Bnssia. On the contrary. it had made a decision against sending such surplus abroad. TABIFF POI.TCY. LONDON. Dec. 17. There is widespread expectancy regarding to-day’s debate in the House of Commons on tnrill oreiorenee, to he initialed by a Liberal amendment to the Adilrcss-in-Bcply. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Parliamentary correspondent says there is reason to 'believe the Cabinet, will enunciate a new plan, which, while satisfactory to the Dominions, will enable the Government to fulfil its election 'pledges, and not inerea-e the cost ol fo-i.l. It is understood bounties and subsidies are ruled out. hut the precise method is not to lie disclosed until Air Baldwin speaks. All that can he said is that Ministerial circles are cimlideiit tic* supporters of Imperial preference will regard the scheme as sound and efleetive. and that it will uleasi the Dominions. LONDON. Dec. 17. In the House of Commons. Sir l Ulililfe Lister, replying to a question, said that legislation would he required if all tin* manufactures imported Irma te,eign countries were to he marked with the name of the country where they were manufactured. The question of amending the existing law would lie considered.