BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 November 1929, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

(United Press Association—By Electric •Telegraph .—Copyright.)

LONDON, November 5

Mr Baldwin: “I will not disguise to the House that, • though I am not greedy for power, it was one thing I always hoped to do, namely, go to ( America as. Prime Minister and try personally to improve Anglo-American relations. 1 rejoice it lias been done and hope it will not be the last of such visits.”

Mr Lloyd George desired to join in .congratulating M r MacDonald, whose visit was an unquestioned success from every viewpoint. Without real goodwill all the pacts for the abolition of war would he mere scraps of paper Mr MacDonad in this way rendered Tr i' service to world peace by clearing the atmosphere and introducing a im-re genial element into Anglo-American relations.”

He added that he was more glad because he doubted the wisdom <jf visiting America before the Five I’twcr jCtnfei*ence.

FRENCH COMMENT

(Received this dnv at 12.215. p.m.' PARIS, November 6. Commenting on the Russian debate in the British House of Commons, “ l.e Temps ” is of the opinion that the Briis not without danger. The paper savs the Liberals have assumed-their share of the responsibility of the decision, which may seriously affect the internal peace of Britain. "Le. Journal Des Debates” asks if the Soviet must give orders for British goods before obtaining credits and who will finally pay for the goods. It points put the British Ambassador at Moscow must personally represent the King, who is a cousin to the murdered Czar.

THE DOMINIONS VIEWS. ('(Received this dav at 1.5 p.m.) LONDON, November 6. Asked in the Commons whether he was prepared to make a statement of the subject of Australian and New Zealand Governments views regarding the Egyptian Treaty, Mr A. Ponsonby said the Government shared their predecessor’s view that a frank, confidential exchange of information of views between the various governments of . the Empire was an essential feature for the conduct of foreign policy. This would be seriously hampered if correspondence were likely eventually to be published. Therefore he could not make a statement. Hon. Bellairs—“ls-it not important to know the Dominion’s views on these matters? Since when were you converted to the principle of secret diplomacy? ” ■Air Eden: “ Why was not this adhered to in connection with Lord Lloyd’s correspondence?” Air Ponsonby—“Egypt is not a Dominion.” Air Bellaires—“Was not the Singapore correspondence published?” There was no answer. Mr Ponsonby, answering further questions took similar objection to tabling the Dominions’ views on the resumption of relations with Russia. A situation full of difficulties has arisen owing to the mine owners, at the last moment, declining the Government’s invitation to a. joint conference, which the miners’ delegates and the Coal Committee of the Cabinet are now attending alone. Air Evan Williams, stated the. Aimers’ Association unalterably opposed anv reduction of the hours of work, which must have a disastrous effect and cause a reaction in wages. '