THE EMPIRE AND AMERICA

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22108, 2 June 1937, Page 9

THE EMPIRE AND AMERICA

Series of Bilateral Pacts CLOSE UNION PREDICTED PROBLEM FOR IMPERIAL CONFERENCE (UNITED PEES 3 ASSOCIATION— COPYBIOHT.) (Received June 2, 1 a.m.) LONDON, June 1. The "Morning Post" says the Imperial Conference is considering two possibilities: — (1) A grand-scale commercial understanding between the Empire and the United States, tantamount to economic co-operation among the English-speaking countries, with a trade agreement between Britain and the United States as a central pivotal factor. (2) A series of bilateral pacts among Britain, the Dominions, and the United States. These major questions so far have been discussed only in the broadest sense. A possible outcome will be a compromise constituting a series of bilateral pacts based on, and interlocked by, a common understanding. An agreement is certain on major principles. Clearly, however, the delegates have to seek the authority of their respective Parliaments before committing themselves to a major policy. It is expected that the negotiations will continue long after the conclusion of the conference. For this reason the High Commissioners for all the Dominions are attending the discussions, and will carry on the negotiations. 1 It is expected that the conference will end on June 15 or 16, when the various resolutions of the committees will be adopted by c plenary session. This suggestion came from Mr Neville Chamberlain, Prime Minister, this morning, constituting almost his first act as Earl Baldwin's successor in the chair. This morning's meeting of the principal delegates congratulated Mr Chamberlain on his assumption of the Prime Ministership and wel : corned him to the presidency of the conference. The rest of the morning's discussion was devoted to a statement by Mr W. Ormsby-Gore, Colonial Secretary, outlining the resources and possibilities of the colonial Empire. All the other delegations participated. It is understood that Germany's colonial claims and other political aspects were not mentioned. EMPIRE MERCANTILE POLICY divergence: of opinion REVEALED (Received June 1, 5.5 p.m.) . LONDON, May 31. The shipping committee at the Imperial Conference met under the chairmanship of Mr W. Nash (New Zealand) and considered a policy for the maintenance of an adequate mercantile marine under the British flag as a matter of common concern to the Empire. The discussion on the implications of such a policy revealed many difficulties and a considerable divergence of opinion. To-day's discussions did not touch on the Pacific, as it is a separate problem.