BRITISH POLITICS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1706, 22 December 1919, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

SECRET DIPLOMACY CONDEMNED By Eleotrio Telegraph.—Copyright. Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. LONDON, Dec..lS. On the third reading of the Appropriation Bill, Sir Donald Maclean condemned secret diplomacy, and askod whether, Britain had agreed to assist the defenco of France, regardless of America's attitude; also he demanded information regarding Italy, which was undoubtedly a dangorous storm centre. 110 deplored the widespread private extravagance in Britain, resembling a mad danco over an inferno. Lord Robert Cecil stated that only the early ratification of Peace would relievo the European tension. Ho regretted that the Government was apathetic towards the League of Nations. There was no indication that tho Government was determined to make the Leaguo a success. Mr Clynes said tho people were athirst for information, and foreign negotiations' must not be treated as during war time.

CABINET DISSENSIONS. A CENTRE PARTY FORMING. Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. Received December 22, 9 a.m. LONDON, Deec. 18. Signs of the foundering of Mr Lloyd George's Ministry after a stormy session are causing many anticipations, but tlio House of Commons, including nearly 100 Government placemen and a number who do not expect re-election, is not easily dissolved. Nevertheless bitter differences aro arising within, the coalition. The Liberals refuse to have the slightest truck with the tariff, while the Unionists are making the Home Rule scheme most difficult and the- extremists are crying out for the sternest military repression in answer to the outrages in Ireland. Lobbyists repeat the charge that Mr Lloyd George and Mr Winston Churchill are forming a centre party as a reply to the Unionist Party. Resolutions denouncing the Manchester speech and insisting on the independence and solidarity of the Unionists a* a separate party, and the failure of the anti-profitcer-mg legislation has cost tho Government a lot of support from tho country.