OFFICIAL WIRELESS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1928, Page 2

OFFICIAL WIRELESS

SELF-DEFENCE ONLY

BRITAIN WILL NOT INTERVENE.

[Special to Press Assn, by Radio.]

RUGBY, Atay 23,

Questions were put to Sir Austen Chamberlain in the House regarding British policy towards the contending parties in China. Sir Walter do Freco (Conservative) asked whether the British Government would consider the desirability of informing both the contending parties in China that its attitude of selfdefence was unaltered, and that it had no intention of associating itself with the military operations of the other Powers either in respect of China proper, or of Alanehuria. Sir Austen Chamberlain replied: “The policy of strict neutrality towards tho various contending parties adopted by the British Government remains unaltered. We have no intention of being involved in any form of intervention. Our one desire is to see a peaceful and united China, and any- military measures taken by us are, and have always been, solely for the protection of British lives and property. This policy has been frequently stated, and is, I believe, now fully understood by all parties in China, and it does not appear necessary to give further assurances.” Sip Austen Chamberlain added that none of the reports which he had. received relative to the present situation indicated the existence of any antagonism against British interests on the part of any of the contending parties in China.

RECOGNITION OF IRAQ. RUGBY, May 23

Sir Austen Chamberlain stated in. the House in reply to a question that tho attention of tho Persian Government had frequently been called to tho desirability, in their own interests. of recognising the present Government of , Iraq and thereby placing their relations with that kingdom on a normal and friendly footing.

The Persian Government, however, had not hitherto taken this step.

NEW TELEPHONE SERVICE. RUGBY, Alav 23

The Postmaster-General announces that a. telephone service will he established between this country and Spain as from to-morrow.

Communication will he available between all parts of Great Britain and all parts’ of vSpain. The service will be effected by means of a “through” circuit between London and Madrid, passing through France.