BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1926, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] FRENCH DEBT. LONDON CONFEREXCIO. LONDON, May IS. At the conclusion of further conferences between Al. Peret (French Finance Minister), and Mr Churchill, to settle the outstanding points whereon agreement regarding France’s debt to Britain was not reached in the previous negotiations, a communique was issued stating that the ground had been thoroughly explored in a spirit of cordialityl and in a friendly tone. ".M. Peret returns to Paris to-morrow to meet the French Cabinet. He hopes to return to London shortly. Meantime, French experts continue conversations with experts of tho Biitish Treasury. WILKINS HELD UP. VANCOUVER. May 19. Wilkins is still weather bound at Point Harrow. In view of an area around the pole of inaccessibility which was crossed by the Norge Wilkins proposes to cover new territory to the westward, ho will, therefore, turn in a north-westerly direction when he leaves Point Barrow, endeavouring to find new land if it exists. There is a huge district twice as large as New South Wales and has never before been explored. - LONDON, May 19.

The “Times” Rome correspondent says that Commander Nobile is promoted" to be an air force general. He receives the freedom of Rome when be returns, after which ho Hies to lokio with the dirigible similar to the Norge which Japan Ordered in 1925. It was constructed under Nobile’s directions. RACING TO RESUME. LONDON, May 19. The stewards of the Jockey Club and National Hunt Committee received a communication from the railway companies that they are prepared to deal with raeelior.se traffic for race meetings and therefore have given their sanction for racing to be resumed on 21st Maxtor the Doncaster and Salisbury meetings fixed for 20th. AFRICAN FLAG. CAPETOWN, May 19. To the Assembly Doctor Malan gave notice of a. bill to define .South. Afiican nationality and provide a national flag for the Union. The proposed flag comprises a vertical strip of red, horizontal strips of green, yellow and blue. It is understood the Bill will provide that on official and Imperial occasions the j Union Jack must be flown simultan-j eously with the South African. While the questions of a national flag has generally been regarded academically strong protests were made in the Natal against the exclusion of the Union Jack in the proposed design and insisted on its retention. Advocates for the retention of the Union Jack are now increasingly- active. Durban has given a lead in flying the Union Jack. BIRTHDAY HONOURS. LONDON, May' 19. i The King acquiesced to Mr Baldwin’s suggestion .to issue the birthday •» mi .Tiilv 3rd.

ROUNDING UP COMMUNISTS.

LONDON, May 19

Tho “ Standard ” states despite many arrests for sedition throughout the country and a search being made of numerous premises, Scotland Yard is still without a clue as to the whereabouts of a mysterious printing press producing seditious pamphlets distributed in the industrial areas and naval arid military centres. Apparently the secret is known only to prominent Communists. The police submitted to the Home Office reports concerning many Communists which arc expected to result in the deportations of a number of aliens. THEATRE UPROAR. PARTS, May 19. An uproar ending in a, free tight and police intervention marked the first production of Constant Lambert’s ballet “Romeo and Juliet.” in connection with tho Russian ballet. Lambert is n son of George Lambert of Sydney. The demonstrators were young Royalists who objected to the scenery painted by Max Ernst ftiitl Jean Miro, and 'also their participation in the Russian ballet enterprise. Eventually the disorder ceased and the performance was compelled to close, whereof Lambert being recalled with vociferous applause.