Moscow, Feb. 16.
A Soviet naval mission to the United States, headed by Admiral Isapov, will leave for America in a few days.
The exact objects of the' mission have not. been disclosed, but are believed to be connected with the Soviet's intention to buy modern armour-plating machiner; quired in the Russian naval yards.
The present great interest in Britistt and American armour-plating machinery is believed to be related to the Soviet plan to build heavy ships.
M. Mikhail Kalinin, President of the Supreme Council, in a speech before shipbuilding workers in Leningrad some months ago, stated that it was the task of Soviet engineering workers to outstrip Britain in shipbuilding.—Reuter.
Pus ea eae o the United States lary.
to comment upon affairs but stated that Am was on the up-at home was in the visit They will have not particularly kopewas, he particularly the Tamworth division asked whether the proposed to offer finan-to the National Relief of the Chinese Govern-of the beneficent work d, Yas'shown in a report.
Mr, Butler replied that, through its contribution to the League of Nations, the British Government had already contributed to the anti-epidemiowork of the League China. and Mention to John) Wardlaw-Milne drew at-present position of connection-passenger transport between Hankow and Shanghai in which, he said, only Japanese transport was available.
The allocation to British nationals for necessary passages, he declared, was insignificant, although a German subject had experienced little dificulty. He then asked what action the t was taking in the matter, whether it would inaugurate a gunboat passenger service, as inj the case of the Pearl i|River, or utilize merchantmen under the white ensign.
Mr. Butler replied that he was aware of the difficulties to which the questioner referred, though the reports he had received did not indicate ai tion. in favour of Germans. As he had: stated on February 6, further representations had been made to the Japanese Government on January 14.
The proposals mentioned by Sir John Wardlaw-Milne, as well as other suggestions, were receiving consideration.
Captain Graham asked whether British ships were now allowed free access to the port of Tsingtao by the Japanese authorities.
Mr. Butler: "No.
Fresh representations, Mr. Butler continued, had recently been made to
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.