3 OCTOBER 1925
Replying to a protest against the closing of Rosyth and Pembroke Dockyards, Mr Bridgeman said that an endeavour would be made to effect the reductions in staffs in such a way as to cause the least possible hardship; and he added that any applications by private individuals for the use of the establishments would be considered.
French disappointment at the outcome of the Washington debt discussions is reflected by the newspaper comment. The Ministry of Finance, summarising the results, stated that France had recognised her debt, had obtained a reduction of the total claimed, and would make payments based on her capacity to pay without accepting any foreign control, while her political and commercial debts would be combined. Discussing his country’s capacity to pay, M. Labeyrie, Director of the Cabinet at the Ministry of Finance, stated that future reconsideration of this question in no way implied that America could exert financial control over France.
The conclusion of a Russo-German commercial treaty is imminent. Chicherin, in an interview with the representative of a Berlin paper, expressed strongly anti-British sentiments, and said that Britain’s Pact policy was directed towards driving Germany into a coalition against Russia.
Madrid is rejoicing over the Spanish success at Ajdir, in Morocco.