BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1927, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

[by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ’ASSOCIATION.]

RAILDVAYDIEN’S DEMANDS. i-ONDON, Feb. 13. At a conference of railwnyineii’s district councils, a resolution was passed demanding that national political and iiidusri.il movements oppose legislation indicated in the King’s spdecli. interfering with the Trade Disputes Act. and restricting the functions (of trade unions. It was also resolved to insist oil the unconditional restoration of a guaranteed week and to a| conference in order to unite the three railway unions into oneorgani.sation. FRENCH FINANCE. PARIS, Feb. 12. "La, Presse” says it is reported M. Poincare is uiming at fixing the franc at 126.1 d to the pound, five times the pre-war rate. Iho new iranc will he called thunard, and will then he introduced. .MUSSOLINI'S PROJECT. LONDON. February 14. Commenting on Signor Dlussol'iiii? project of the Corporative State, f> which the interests of all classes are to he subordinated in order to secure the maximum of productivity tlie “limes ’ in a leading article says: “The conception of the partial formation bv a

first-rate European Government of a project so immense, so subversive ot tlie only organisation of lile known in modern civilisation, will startle even the generation which lias witnessed the rise of the Soviets. Alarm and discontent prevail among those industrial and financial classes who have most strongly supported Signor Mussolini. He knows this. There are complaints that the Fascist heads of trades are dictatorially more arrogant than the Socialist chiefs of the old trades unions. People wonder what the Duce will be if he sees distrust in his rule increasing. The most usual surmise seems to he that he will turn to the Left. All feel that the future is an enigma. None have much confidence. Toe Corporative State is a tremendous adventure, fraught with huge peril. There are vague hopes that the Duce i> strong enough to transform, or to renounce it. if he sees its certain dangers would outweigh its advantages.”

THE ARDHSTICE COACH. PARIS. Feb. 14. , Thanks to the generosity of Mrs Felmin. an American, who promised to provide shelter for it, the historic rail coach in which Marshal Foch signed the Armistice will shortly he permanently installed in a clearing in the For-, osf of Compiegne, where the Armis-

tice was signed

A SHOCKING ACCIDENT. ■ /Received this day at 8.50 a.mA LONDON. Feb. 14. A head on collision of two trains occurred at Hull, when six coaches containing many school children and busi- j x ness men wore telescoped. It is believed that eight wore killed and twenty injured. LONDON PRESS CODTMENT LONDON. Feb. 14. r J he Daily Chronicle says in regard to President Coolidge's message. “We should welcome a semi-denying ordinance, which would relieve the overtimorous Governments front the temp- „ taliori to build beyond our own needs and means; hut we do not mean that we can afford to overlook the fact that with respect to cruisers, and destroyers for the policing of trades routes, there obviously is a bigger demand in Britain and her Dominions tli.-ui falls to any other single country. Such obvious point could be settled by any , conference which ruillv meant business; v but the co-operation of France is essential. If France consented to reduce submarine construction, we would be glad to follow by reducing the number of cruisers and destroyers, which are our principal defence against them.” Commoners showed the keenest interest at Westminster. When the news came off the tape- machines, Dir R. DTir-Doiiald, watching the message being ticked out, said that it was a most significant event, with far-reach-ing consequences. So far as the British attitude is concerned, successive Governments have always welcomed the extension of the principle of limitation of annulments. It is understood, however, that the y Admiralty argues a higher ratio should lie allowed to Britain owing to the fact that she has longer trade routes to protect than (any other Power.

The “Daily Chorniele” says: AD’ Coolidge’s proposal to settarale naval disarmament from the larger issues comes at an opportune moment. The preparatory commissions of inquiry served to reveal the infinity and perplexity of the problem. If the five Powers can give an example of denial as regards submarines and cruisers, may wo not hope that the next step will soon follow, and la plan he devised limiting / aeroplanes an d suppressing poison gas.

The “Daily Express’’ says: Air Coolidge, speaking from the calm security of the United States, gives the world idealistic exhortation. AA'e appreciate the sentiments, hut wlint is really wanted is a formula that will permanently cure the nations of warlike intentions.