26 SEPTEMBER 1925
The Food Council, in a report on bread prices, records its unanimous finding that the charge of 10d. for the quartern loaf is unjustified.
The Mining Association correct Mr Cook, the miners’ secretary, regarding his statement on the Prime Minister’s decision. They state that no profits are guaranteed to the owners; and that the guarantee to the miners was that their wages shall not be reduced below the minimum that would have been payable had the agreement of 1924 remained in operation.
Mr. A. J. Cook, the miners’ secretary, in an interview, replies to Mr Ramsay MacDonald. He says Mr MacDonald’s action in attacking the decisions of the Trade Union Congress is an insult to the British Trade Union movement, from which the Labour Party receives its financial support and help. Without the Trade Union movement, the Labour Party would die.
At the meeting of the League Assembly, Viscount Cecil warmly supported various resolutions relating to the principles of arbitration and disarmament.
M. Caillaux’s proposal of a basis for the settlement of the French debt has surprised the American Debt Commission, but do not regard it as either final or definite.
No reply has yet been received from Germany accepting an invitation to the Conference on the Security Pact. The Federal Premiers have, however, unanimously approved the Cabinet’s decision to attend.
A general attack on the Rif front by the French is reported to be imminent. The Spaniards have been hampered by ill-luck and bad weather, and despite their recent success have much hard fighting in front of them. A campaign lasting far into the winter is contemplated.
Colonel Jackson M.P., speaking at Swansea on the proposed closing of dockyards, said the Prime Minister had decided to bring the question before the Cabinet before any definite steps were taken.
The Colonial Secretary has telegraphed to the Governor of Hong-Kong that he is pressing for a settlement of the negotiations with Chinese bankers and business men upon whose assistance the Hong-Kong Government depends for the disposal of loans. Of the £3,000,000 at its disposal the Government has still to raise £1,000,000.