DOMINION MINISTERS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16550, 16 June 1919, Page 7

DOMINION MINISTERS.

« FAREWELL LUNCHEON. (By Cable.—Picas Association.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, June 13. Sir Thomas Mackenzie presided at a farewell luncheon to Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward at the Connaught Rooms. Mr Massey said there were indications of important developments at the Peace Conferonce during the next few days, but the Empire would take whatever came with steadfastness. If the League of Nations was going to be successful, there must be adequate force behind it. This brought up the whole question of disarmament, which was one of the Conference's difficulties. New Zealand, it was reported, would receive a mandate over the Samoan Islands. She was willing to hand them to Britain to-day if Britain chosg to accept them. They would not cost New Zea-i land a penny in the end, though there j were difficulties the League must overcome, including that of Chinese labour.

Sir Joseph Ward said he hoped the Germans would sign the Pence Treaty by June 25th, but the Allied leaders were not going to yiold essentia] points. If Peace was not signed by June 2oth the Allies must march to Berlin. The Empire was not going to run away from tho Peace Treaty.