FRENCH STATEMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 8 November 1929, Page 3

FRENCH STATEMENT

[L ailed Press Association—By iilectflc Telegraph.—Copyright.] LONDON, Nov. 7. The . “Daily News” republishes an article contributed by “M. Pertinax” to the “Echo de Paris,” following on tno receipt of a. private letter from tae l nifed States, confirming “revelations” that were published a few days ago. to the effect that Mr Ramsay MacDonald, while in the United States, considered the making of concessions in connection with the freedom •’■of the seas, which some members of his Cabinet, including Mr Philip Snowden, regarded with such alarm, tii• t there was a possibility of two resignations. It was stated that the proposals would, in Mr Snowden’s opinion, have impaired British naval effic envy in the Pacific, and also that Air M acDouald was ready to declare food ships inviolate in war time, thus rendering a blockade impossible. The “M. Pertinax” article goes further, and it says that Mr MacDonald. !'vot)ing intoxi.ated by his United States reception, allowed President Hoover not only to seek the freedom of the seas agreement, but to disir.enfle and suppress Canadian naval bases. “M. Pertinax” refers to Mr Snowden as “bluntly warning Mr MacDonald over the Atlantic telephone,” and threatening to resign. “M. Pertinnx’ commends Mr Snowden’s patriotism and courage, and predicts that Air MacDonald will not tell the House of Commons about the incident.