23 DECEMBER 1925
In his Speech to the Parliament of Northern Ireland the King expressed gratification regarding the recent settlement with the Irish Free State, and said he hoped it would be cemented by a spirit of goodwill and friendship.
In his speech proroguing Parliament until February 2 the King reviewed the legislation of the session, especially referring to industrial and social Acts. Hopes were expressed for peace and goodwill at home and abroad.
The Lords amendments to the Rating Bill and the Criminal Justice Bill were disposed of in the House of Commons.
Mr Baldwin had an interview in London with the Turkish Ambassador on the subject of the Iraq boundary.
In an interview in London Emir Zaid, who has been acting as Regent of Iraq, expressed the belief that the decision of the League of Nations would have an immense effect in ensuring a bright and happy future for his country.
Mr Churchill, replying to a deputation on the subject of a tax on betting, promised to examine impartially the question in all its aspects.
Sharp fighting is reported between the Chinese belligerents. The troops of Feng Yu Hsiang have advanced, and Tientsin is in danger of falling. At Mukden Japanese troops are prepared forcibly to keep the contending forces six miles from the railway, and in the event of the Chinese pledges being broken, the nature of the action to be taken by the Japanese troops is left to the discretion of the respective Commanders.
Chinese pirates seized and looted the British steamer Tungchow. The captain was wounded by a shot, and the officers navigated the vessel at the point of the pistol. Europeans on board were not molested.
Captain Gordon Canning, hon. secretary of the Riff Committee in London, in an interview with a Press representative, at Marseilles, made a statement in regard to Abdel Krim’s views on peace terms with France and Spain.