BRITISH X FOREIGN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 31 December 1925, Page 3

BRITISH X FOREIGN NEWS

[Reuter Telegrams.]

KCOXO.M I K.S IN AiniY. LONDON. DoeeniLer 30.

'I Ik- “Times’” political corrospondoiit says tlio forthcoming iinnv estimates arc expected to show a reduction of :iliont u million sterling, hut this is solely due to siduiinistrntive economies find not to n reduction in the army’s strength. There is general agreement in official circles in view of the present commitments, that the finny fighting line cannot safely be further reduced. A.MER ICAX PROSPERITY. [“ The Times ” Service.] (Received this day at 9.30 a.rn.) LONDON. December 30. The “ Times ” New York correspondent says American hankers, industrialists and trade leaders are quietly confident regarding the business out4k}nnk. There is a consensus of opinion prosperity will continue undiminished until at least the middle of the year, although building and real estate speculation are likely to decline. Rankers agreed that credit stringency was not yet sighted. A PR I XCESS’S VISIT. LONDON. December .30,

The “ Daily .Mail ” says the King reported visit during the New Year of the King of Sweden’s niece. Princess Astrid. Newspapers draw attention to the fact that Princess Astrid visited London in November and dined at Buckingham Palace hut this was not mentioned in the court circular, therefore tongues are now naturally wagging. It is suggested that the Princess is a possible bride for Prince Henry. The Royal Family has probably good reasons for refraining from a premature announcement.

PRISONERS IN INDIA. CALCUTTA, December 12

A debate, marked by impassioned speeches and at times extreme heat, ended in the Henkel Legislative Council carrying: against the Government by eight votes, a motion for the adjournment, to discuss the recent treatment of political prisoners. A complaint was made that throe prisoners were transferred, at a moment’s notice, without any clothing, from Berlin mpore to 11 a/.a ribagli gaols. Sir Hugh Stephenson, replying on behalf of the Government, proved that the prison authorities were faced with virtual mutiny. There was always much trouble a.t 'licrhampore, on account of the number of political prisoners there. \VITea they were told of their transfer the three prisoners refused to go. They became most abusive, and declined to put on the ample warm clothing with which they were supplied by the authorities.

FRANC RECOVERING. LONDON. Decem.ebr HO. A settlement of the French Government’s financial proposals resulted in a notable recovery of the French francin London during the morning to 127*. CHANGING THE FLAG. LONDON. December 30. The official exchange of authority from French to British in AVisebadon zone was made in the morning. The only visible sign being the lowering of the Tricolour and the hoisting of the Union Jack in its place. The event was marked by a simple ceremony in the Echo Sc-hlossplate, where two companies of French infantry, two squadrons of Chasseurs and a detachment of one hundred men of the Second Camerons, which is the only regiment so far transferred to AVeisbnden from Cologne, paraded, ’the guards changed the Tricolour which was lowered to the strains of the “Marseillaise,” the Union Jack was hoisted and the National Anthem played. A march concluded the ceremony.

NOT WELCOME. PARIS, December 30. According to the newspapers M. Briand is informing Mr Canning it is impossible for Briand to have any relations with him. ITALY AND BRITAIN. ROME, December 30. Beyond a broad statement that conversations proved cordial, the possibilits of efficaciously pursuing the collaboration at present existing between the two countries with a view to harmonising various interests for the consolidation of peace in Europe, little light is thrown on the Rapallo conversations by tlie official communique. It is believed imminent negotiations in London for a settlement of Italy’s debt will be one of the chief topics discussed. MOSUL DISPUTE. TURKEY PREPARING. LONDON. Dee. 31. The “Evening News”. Angora correspondent says the War Council, including Djevnd Paslia, military organiser on the Mosul front has begun a secret session, believed to be aimed a*t 'devising 'defensive plans against the possible netjon of the Teague’s members.