BRITISH POLICY

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 117, 9 February 1924, Page 7

BRITISH POLICY

►EXPECTED TO BE ACCEPTABLE TO FRANCE RELATIONS MOST CORDIAL EFFECTIVENESS OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS Relations between Britian and France are declared to have become more cordial than they have been for some time, the Prime Ministers of the two countries being on the friendliest terms. By Telegraph—Press Association. —Copyright. London, February 7. Anglo-French relations have not been so cordial for some time as they are now. M. Poincare and Mr. McDonald are on tho friendliest terms. No meeting has yet been arranged between them. It is understood that Mr. MacDonald is anxious that the meeting, when it is held, shall deal with definite propositions, based on the reports of the two Experts’ Committees on the subject of reparations, which are expected shortly. The view of the British Government is that, unless something new and unexpected, occurs, the British policy new being formulated will be acceptable to Pans. It is a policy of >sympathy, but also of great firmness in protecting ’Britain’s legitimate international interests. . It is impossible to deal with the question of the French debt to Britain until the Government receives the reparation reports. The Government does not intend to regard the French debt as a separate issue, but rather as a negotiable asset in conjunction with other outstanding questions • It is understood that Mr. MacDonald is anxious -for an Anglo-French agreement upon a policy which would be a real, effective contribution to European peace. He is anxious to invite the co-operation of the United States and to secure the sympatliy and interest of tjie smaller European' nations. The Government hopes that tho formal recognition of Russia will be the first step towards the accomplishment of much practical work through the operation of several commissions which are to be established to deal with outstanding problems, including debts. It is the intention of the Government to establish machinery to deal with tho important question of anti-Britsh propaganda, which must be settled. Cabinet is unanimous in the belief that th© effectiveness of the League of Nations is conditional upon the accession to it df Germany and Russia.—Reuter. IMPERIAL CONFERENCE ■ RESOLUTIONS T 0 BE MOVED BY MEMBERS OF GOVERNMENT London, February 7. The Imperial Conference resolutions will be moved in the House of Commons from the Government bench and submitted to a free vote. The resolutions arc regarded as important, as emanating from a body for which the Government holds the highest respect. Each will be explained by the Minister in charge. If there are points with which the Government does not entirely agree, the Government, will explain its position. If a resolution involves- extra, taxation the Treasury vill give its view. The procedure in Parliament thereon will be exactly the same as if the Government itself was responsible. An eminent Government spokesman, addressing overseas journalists, assured h:s hearers that the Dominions, India, and the colonies would not find Labour inferior in intelligence or good intentions to any preceding Government. They would not do wild and things, he predicted, but cordial relations with the Dominibns would ensue. —Reuter. LABOUR PARTY’S ADVENT NOT REGARDED BY CHURCH WITH APPREHENSION London, February 7. The Archbishop of York, addressing the Convocation, said that the bishops and clergy would follow the proceedings of the new Parliament with prayerful interest. Convocation regarded tho advent of the Labour Party with no gloomy apprehension. Me hoped end believed that education in responsibility will bring to the Labour Partv and the Government strength and sobriety and width of outlook. It might i-e that the new voice op behalf of the peace of Europe spoken by a Government very specially representing the workers of Britain might win a new response from the workers of other nations. — Aus.-N.Z Cable Assrl. POPLAR OUTDOOR RELIEF MINISTER’S DECISION CHALLENGED London, February 7. Several ratepayers’ organisations are challenging Mr. Wbea.tlcy’e decision relating to the Poplar outdoor relief. The National Citizens’ Union is planning a national campaign of protest.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. ' [Mr. John Wheatley, Minister for Health, in response to a deputation from the Poplar Guardians, agreed to rescind the 1922 order requiring tho guardians not to exceed a prescribed scale, and also agreed to remit the surcharge that may be made thereunder.] CONSERVATIVE PROGRAMME (Rec. February 8, 8.35 p.m.) London, February 8 The “Daily Express” says a Conservative shadow Cabinet, including Mr Baldwin, and the former Ministers, Lord Balfour, Lord Birkenhead, and Mr. Austen Chamberlain, decided to recommend the party at a meeting on Monday to drop the general tariff from the party’s programme, maintain tho Safeguarding of Industries Act, and tho principle of Imperial preference within the limits laid down by the last Imperial Conference, and also uphold the McKenna duties and continue to condemfU dumping.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable