WAR DEBTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1926, Page 2

WAR DEBTS.

MORE INTIMATE RELATIONS. [Reuter Telegrams.] ROME, February 5. The French press allegations that the Anglo-J taliau war debt settlement was based more on political than financial considerations were unexpectedly continued by no less an authority than Premier Mussolini, who stresses the importance of the agreement, pointing out it is not merely a financial settlement but a political act relcrring to the credit and prestige of Italy, and strengthening tile traditional friendly Anglo-1 taliau relations. VOLPI’S VERSION. ROME, February 0. Signor A'olpi, in the Italian Chamber, denied that the debt settlement with Britain covered any other en giigenients, either economic or political Lloyd George and Air Snowden had consulted before the latter’s speech. Air Lloyd George, amidst loud laughter. replied: “Our agreement simply amounts to' this; two intelligent, wellinformed minds approaching the same problem with an earnest desire to solve it along right lines.”

LONDON, February 5. The “ Daily Herald’s” political correspondent emphasises the fact that no Liberal voted with the Labourites. ■This.” it says, “disposes of the suggestion of Liheral-Lahour co-operation. Air Lloyd George’s followers went to tlic-ir own place with the Tories, the other defenders of private enterprise. The Radical groups abstained from voting.” The “ Herald.” editorially, comments:—" It is no Use Sir John Simon saving how much lie agrees with AlSnowden or with Air Lloyd George. If there are members of the House of Commons outside the Labour benches who agree with Labour’s case, they can come over, h-- 1 they must agree with tlu- whole case.”

EMPIRE UNITY. DO AIIXI OX R EPR ESEXTATI OX. LOXDOX, February 5. Prominent Commoners interested in Dominion affairs intend to submit a proposal to Air Baldwin (Prime ALinister) to create stronger Dominion representation in London. They suggest establishing a Dominion Secretariat. The question will be discussed at the Imperial Conference. It is understood Downing Street would welcome a rearrangement, hut there are many difficulties. It would like the Dominions to have more representatives in London and such status that after communicating with the respective Prime Afinisters they should get together here in the form of an Imperial Conference whereby they could directly inform the Cabinet of the Dominions’ attitude. The question is, however, whether all the Dominions would he prepared to give their representatives the necessary status.

SUE P RIS E EX PR ESSED. LOXDOX, February 5. Lord A star, referring to the amendment re Dominion representation says: “It interprets the feeling of .many Commoners, who are surprised that the King’s speech did not mention the Government’s policy regarding Dominion affairs. I supported it, because 1 felt we should have a definite announcement of the Government’s intentions in connection with the Imperial Conference. I would like to see stronger Dominion representation in dealing with foreign affairs. Ah- Bruce, Australia Premier, has already realised this by appointing a liason officer. Mr Coates, the Xew Zealand Premier, recently created a Foreign Department. The present methods of consultation between Downing Street and the Dominions on important questions are unsatisfactory. I would like to see a more adequate representation. Perhaps the status of the Governors-Gen-eral or the High Commissioners could he raised more or less to the equivalent of ambassadors.”