GENERAL CABLES

Taihape Daily Times, 14 March 1918, Page 5

GENERAL CABLES

WAR CABINET’S HISTORY. AN INTERESTING DOCUMENT. Received 9 a.m. LONDON, March 13. The War Cabinet’s history for 1917 has been issued to-day, and forms an important historical record, as well a» showing the tremendous labours and achievements of the Government. It emphasises that the whole character of the war generally has changed during the last year, involving a complete transformation in British administration and organisation. Regardng submarinism the document frankly admits that if the enemy had been able to maintain the rate of sinkings reached in February, 1917, the military operations of the Allies would have been largely paralysed. The navy, however,- had triumphed. The document contains much to give confidence that the worst has' long since passed. The document deals with “imperial affairs, Imperial War Cabinet, War Conference, and constitutional, development in India. GERMANY AND NORWAY. .HUNS GETTING PEEVISH. ; Received 9.10. COPENHAGEN, MaTch 13. The Politiken states that owing no Norway’s agreement with America the German Purchase Office, has denounced all contracts with Norwegian firms and are shutting up their offices anc returning to Germany, AN OFFER TO WILHELM. Received 9.10. COPENHAGEN, March 13. A message from Berlin stales the Courland Diet has offered the Kaiser the Dukedom of Courland. SBRITISH INTERESTS IN SPITZ-

BERGEN.

Received 10.50,

LONDON, March 13

The Royal Geographical Society passed a resolution pointing out to Mr. Balfour the importance of safeguarding British interests in Spitzhergen and the extensive deposits or steam coal, saying British subjects already possess large interests there. Mr. Balfour said the question of Spitzbergen must be discussed with several foreign governments, but the British interests will be borne in mind. BRITAIN’S BEER BURDEN. LONDON, March 12. In the House of Commons, during a discussion on national finance, Mr. Lief Jones stated that in 1917 the drink bill was 259 millions.- The latest figures would probably reach 270 millions. The expenditure was overburdening the nation. He urged the imitation of the Canadian and American restrictions^ Mr. Clyncs stated that the materials used in the production of beer was greatly over-estimated. They represented only three per cent, of the nation’s food. .COMMONER KILLED. Receved 10.50. LONDON, March 13. Major Glazebrook, a member of the House of Commons, has been killed in Palestine