BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 27 January 1925, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

[Reuters Telkciiams/J

SOVIET NEWS. MOSCOW, Jan. 25. Interviewed by “Isvestia,” Eakovsky said bo expected only good results from tho Russo-Japanese agreement. So far as it concerned Anglo-Soviet relations, Britain had no reason to suppose tho agreement was in the least degree directed against her. The Soviet .sincerely desired peaceful co-operation with Britain. Rakovskv was astonished at M. Herriot’s protest against Rykoff’s declaration, (cabled on 18th. Jan). He declared Herriot knew quite well the Soviet was ready to pay, hut France must create the possibility of payment by financially helping tho Soviet. LOYA h DEMONSTRATIONS. MADRID, January 25. 'The recent crescendo of the countrywide manifestations of loyalty to the King culminated in remarkable demonstrations which were dubbed “Alfonso’s Day.” A huge procession, headed by Parliamentarians, Provincial Councillors and Mayors from all parts, marched with bands and banners to the. Palace balcony on which King Alfonso, members of the Royal Family and the Directory remained for several hours despite the intense cold, to watch the march past. The King earlier received shoals of telegrams of congratulations. The crowds besieged tho palace to sign the albums in connection with the celebrations.

A Royal amnesty has been granted to soldiers, sailors and civilians convicted of light offences. General Borcnguer and Sarvia who were arrested in October have been rcleacsd. CROYDON ENQUIRY. LONDON. January 2-5.

Major Cooper, Inspector of Accidents in tlie Air Ministry, in giving evidence nt tlie Croydon disaster enquiry, said the most probable cause, of the accident was the partial failure of the engine. It was impossible to express a definite opinion regarding the cause thereof, hub he regarded the condition of the llexiblo petrol piping with grave suspicion. NICE IRRIGATION. (Received this day at 11.25 a.hi.) CAIRO, January 20. Replying to a recent note from Zirwar Pasha hogging a reconstruction of the Gez.ira irrigation question with a view to strengthening good AngloEypEinn relations, Lord Alienin' says Britain is disposed to direct the Sudan Government not to give effect to the previous instructions in this connection, on nil understanding that an expert committee composed oif the Dutch engineer, Cromers, Chairman, McGregor, Abdul JTarriil, and Sulemnn Pasha, representing Britain and Egypt, respectively would meet not later than February loth, to arrange a basis on which irrigation would lie carried out with full consideration of Egypt’s interests, and to report by June 30th. ’ OBITUARY. LONDON, Jan. 20. Obituary.—Lord Claude Hamilton, and Sir James Mackenzie.

EARL ASQUITH. WILL STITT. LEAD LIBERALS. (Received this day at 9.25 n.m.) LONDON. Jan. 20. Mr -Asquith's Earldom is officially announced without respect to party. The whole press not only acclaimed the Earldom as u well deserved reward for patriotic statesmanship and sterling personal qualities, but agrees that he is a most fitting holder of one of the most famous and oldest titles in history, dating from the 12th. century, when it was held by Develes, after which it passed in moral succession through the lino of representatives, repeatedly achieving historic distinction, until extinguished in 1703. It was revived in 1711 in favour of the statesman Robert Harley, whose line died out in 1753. The Liberal papers state the honour was offered to Mr Asquith directly by the King without the initiative of DU' Baldwin. , , The Earl of Oxford declared that he •will remain the leader of the Liberal Party.

ADMIRALS’ CONFERENCE. (Received this day at 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 26. There will he a meeting of the China Station. East Indian and Australian Admirals at Singapore in live or six weeks’ time. No special significance is attached in authoritative quarters in London to the meeting, which is simply one of ordinary staff conferences between naval officers in that part ol the world. Little or nothing will bo available for publication.

DISLOYAL DE VALERA. (Revived this cl nr nt 10.25 a.m.» LONDON, Jan. 26. T)e Valera referring to the proposed visit of the King and Prince of V ales to Ireland, declared the Irish would welcome foreign rulers with the honour due to their positions, but declined to receive an English King so long as he, claimed to rule Ireland. * CHINESE TRUCE. PEKING, Jan. 26. Troops fighting in the vicinity of Shanghai have arranged a seven i.nys truce covering the Chinese New ) ear holidays. All disarmed troops taking refuge in Shanghai native city will he repatriated nt the expense of Chinese firms. Thus a serious menace to Shanghai will he removed. Detachments landed by various foreign varships have been withdrawn, but Die v nr.diips will lemam ns renewed trouble is expected ir. Yangtsze region after Hie hi-lulays,