BRITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 October 1927, Page 3

BRITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS.

Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) THE POPE’S SPEECH.

LONDON, Oct. 12. The “Observer’s” Paris correspondent says there is considerable comment in Roman Catholic circles upon the Pope’s speech to American Legionaries (cabled on 28th Sept.), which according to ” f.e Gaulois,” was a distinct departure from the neutral war attitude hitherto taken. It is noted that no official report of the speech was published, but “ L’Action Franco ise ” asserts that the Pope blessed those who saved Europe with blood, and points out that neither Cardinal Micrcier nor the French Cardinals ever obtained so remarkable an approval of the Allied cause. The paper congratulates the Americans upon securing from the Pope such an implicit condemnation of German aggression, marking a definite change in the Papal policy.

ROYAL BETROTHAL. LONDON, Oct. 2. The Milan correspondent of the “ Weekly Dispatch ” states diplomatic circles declare the Bulgarian King Boris was betrothed during bis recent European tour. The betrothal will be announced in the coming winter.

A SEA TRAGEDY. a PARIS, Oct. 2. A French cargo steamer put in to Liberville, the chief town in French settlement in Gulf of Guinea, almost without officers. The crew relate that when the ship arrived on the IvoryConst, the chief engineer was stricken with a mysterious illness and died in a few hours and was buried at sea. Next day the chief officer rushed on to the bridge and without saying a word shot the captain dead. The wireless operator hearing the shot rushed out and also was shot'dead. The chief officer then dived into the sea and was drowned. It is believed he went mad owing to sunstroke.

Webster \s recept ion. T.OjNDON, Oct. 2. The home-coming of the Schneider Cup winners at Croydon did not lack enthusiasm, but bad weather kept thousands away. Spectators through the rain and mist watched the approach in arrow formation of fighting aeroplanes, escorting the air liner wherefrom Webster and bis companions landed at the appointed time, being greeted with clieers and cries of “Bravo.” They were formally congratulated by air Marshal Sir John Salmon and escorted to the pavilion where there were brief speeches, Webster saying he was proud to have won the cup.

FRENCH MUTINY. PARIS, Oct. 1. Following complaints of the quality of the food, mutinies occurred in the military prison at Toulon and also aboard the cruiser Ernestrenon, where fifty four arrests wore made. Hie Minister of Marine (M. Leygues) is inquiring into a suggestion that it was instigated by Communists.

SPANISH PLOTS. (Received this day at 11.0 a.m.) MADRID, Oct. 1. The Spanish police have discovered a wide spread revolutionary plot conspiracy to assassinate King Alfonso. Dorivera stated one hundred bombs were found. The arrests include the Republican leaders Marcelino, Domingo, Baldomero, Dezoza. A prominent general addressed a representation to Alfonso urging the restoration of the old regime, urging that as the Moroccan problem, which constituted the Raisondettre Directorate, no longer exists there is no object in retaining the dictatorship. Great excitement was caused by the publication of a leaflet by the Conservative ex-Premier (Sanchez Guerra) denouncing Alfonso for having assisted in setting up a despotism which past generations fought to overthrow. Sanchez has left Spain, other prominents following his example. ATHENS, Oct. 2. -Madame Pnngalos has surrendered to the police pending the examination.

LABOUR, CONFERENCE. LONDON, Oct. 2. At the Labour Party’s annual conference opening to-morrow at Blackpool, the address of the chairman, AJr G. Roberts, M.P.. will denounce the undermining influence of the minority movement, which has endeavoured to destroy confidence in the responsible leadership, and intrigued energetically to sow discord throughout Trade Unions. To-day, however, the industrial movement is solidly behind the political movement and neither will allow itself to 1)0. destroyed by enemies either within or without the gates. The Government’s foreign policy was characterised as one of dismal failure. The hypocritical attitude towards Russia had lowered the dignity of the British Empire. The policy in China was alternately bullying and soft words. Sir A. Chamberlain had placed Britain in the position of moral isolation on the I-eague of Nations, which is only secure foundation for world peace.

ROUMANIAN AFFAIRS. BUCHAREST, Oct. 2. A Council of War is inquiring into the discovery of an international spring organisation with branches in Prague and throughout the Balkans. Three were arrested, including a doctor, a lawyer and an engineer, in possession of important military documents Several prisoners carrying on Communist propaganda, allegedly acting ns couriers, ere charged as accomplices.

HINDENBURG’S BIRTHDAY. BERLIN, "Oct. 2. Dr Alarx and members of the Cabinet congratulated Hindenburg on his birthday. Afarx eulogizing the President as the symbol of devotion to duty and one whose faith in Germany’s future was unshakeable. Hindenburg, replying, said liis thoughts to-day were firstly with his countrymen in occupied Rhineland, whose continuance under foreign domination filled him with disappointment. He greeted them with a full heart and trusted they would soon be freed. It was bis greatest wish to see Germans united in order to become strong and free. The Papal Nuncio presented an address signed by all foreign ambassadors and ministers. Alaekensen, on behalf of Generals of the war-time Army, congratulated their old comrade.