DEFENCE OF PACIFIC.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 172, 21 July 1921, Page 5

DEFENCE OF PACIFIC.

STRONG "HOLDING" FORCE. TILL MAIN FLEET ARRIVES. DISCUSSION AT CONFERENCE. (Dy Cable.— -Press Association. —Copyright.) LONDON, July 20. The conference of Prime Ministers was interrupted to-day to enable the representatives to attend a garden party given by Mr. Lloyd George at Downing Street. One thousand guests were present. Nevertheless, much business was done. 'Hie morning session was devoted to a discussion of foreign affairs and the debate was resumed on tbe Pacific question, Admiral Karl Beatty and Admiral Sir Edward Grant. First Naval Member of the Commonwealth Naval Board, being present. The Anglo-Japanese Treaty was not directly mentioned, being overshadowed, by the Washington proposals, but the whole position was surveyed and all phases examined in order that the Empire's standpoint may be presented to the Washington conference and to avoid summoning another Empire conference hurriedly, should the American plans fail. There is a strong feeling that in any circumstances the Anglo-Japanese Treaty should be renewed. Mr. Massej- and Mr. Hughes still adhere to their original stand that it is in the best interests of the Empire in any circumstances that the Anglo-Japanese Treaty bo renewed. The Australian and New Zealand representatives are insisting that adequate protection must always be available to guarantee that the whole Empire shall bo inviolate iv any emergency till disarmament becomes an accomplished fact. Strict secrecy is observed, but at the conclusion of the conference Mr. Hughes was smiling and was apparently well satisfied with the outlook. He declined to comment, but inquiries in other quarters suggest that the basic principles which be favours are now receiving encouraging support. Exact details are not available, but it may be regarded as certain that his proposals include the maintenance of a naval force in the Pacific equal to delaying any enemy for a month or five weeks, to enable the main Ueet to arrive to the rescue. This arrangement is understood to binge 011 a substantial subsidy to the Admiralty. No decision has been reached. The matter will be resumed to-morrow, all the experts of the Admiralty and officials being present. — (A. and N.Z. Cable.)