IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 308, 29 December 1924, Page 5

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

OBJECTION FROM AFRICA. THE SECURITY OF FRANCE. (Received t p.m.) CAPETOWN, December 28. The "Cape Times" says the difficulties in the way of South Africa's participation in the proposed Imperial Conference to consider the Geneva protocol, are insuperable. It is impossible for General Hertzog to go to London for some months. The conference at the present stage appears doomed to be abortive. Therefore the Union Government should reply stating it is unwilling to send a representative at this stage. The paper is equally opposed to Mr. Chamberlain's suggestion of provision for the security of France. It holds it is utterly unsound to depart from the principle laid down by Mr. W. E. Gladstone and embark upon Continental alliances, such as a protective pact with France. "The proper course for Britain," it states, "is to hold herself in readiness to intervene in any future European complication on the merits of each case. This is the view of a majority in the Dominions, and the new British Government will be well advised to realise it."—(A. and N.Z. Cable.) MR. GARVTN'S PROPHECY. LONDON, December 28. The editor of the "Observer," Mr. J. L. Garvin, in a review of 1924, says it is safe to prophesy whether tho Imperial Conference regarding the Geneva protocol will assemble or not. The question is decided beforehand in the negative.— (A. and N.Z. Cable.)