THE KING SPEECH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17663, 27 December 1920, Page 5

THE KING SPEECH.

• EARLY TRADE WITH RUSSIA . ROYAL ASSENT TO HOME RULE EMPIRE AND THE PRINCE. i. By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright. (Received 8.5 p.m.) . A. an <i N.Z. LONDON, Dec. 24. The King's speech at the proroguing of . Parliament called attention to the Greek y situation. The Allies, it stated, would s endeavour to find a solution compatible 9 with their joint responsibilities. It exa pressed hope that trade would recomI mence with Russia at an early date, and that Poland would compose her political i differences, and devote her energies to attaining internal stability. i The speech referred to the acceptance of . mandates for former German possessions, 1 and proceeded :—" It will be the task of ; | all my Governments to assist the develop- , J ment of these countries for the benefit of - i their inhabitants, and the general welfare e of mankind." » I "In regard to the League of Nations, al- » I lusion was made to the admission of two former enemies, and to the proceedings at j Geneva, which were an -augury of the f j value of the League as a force making lor 1 I peace and conciliation throughout the i world." ' The enthusiastic affection shown for the Prince of Wales throughout the Empire s afforded the King the liveliest satisfac--1 tion. The tour had done much to streng- ' then the Empire. Alluding to Ireland, the speech deplored the campaign oi violence and outrage of a small Irish section, seeking to sever Ireland from the Empire, and hoped , for a return to constitutional methods which would make reconciliation and j peace possible. The new Irish Govem- ; ment Bill had received the Royal assent, • | and the King trusted that it would bring I unity and friendship.