PRESS OPINIONS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1145, 5 June 1911, Page 5

PRESS OPINIONS.

"THE TIMES' PRAISES AUSTRALIAN DELEGATES. CANADA'S POSITION. London, June 3. "The Times" states that the capacity and foresight of the Australian delegates was strikingly attested by their invitation to conduct the Declaration debate. The article, as an illustration of Mr. Fisher's demands, mentions the New Hebrides Convention, when Australia was consulted after its completion. The Australian representatives arc commended for securing a momentous change in tho Foreign Office methods. "The Times" considers that the logical conclusion, of Sir Wilfrid Laurier's speech would involve the rupture of Canada's connection with the Empire. No part of the Empire could claim to bo a part of the Empire and at the samo time suit its own convenience. It would cost Canada tens of millions to maintain the security she now obtained under the Imperial partnership. Tho "Chronicle" states that the frenzied appeals addressed to tho Dominion Premiers to reject the Declaration of London conspicuously failed. In connection with the promise to consult the Dominions regarding treaties, the "Chronicle" states that Mr. Fisher was thinking more especially o£ future negotiations with Japan. Conservative Comment, Tho Conservative papers are generally disappointed, and cannot understand the Premiers' attitude in view of the condemnation of the Declaration of London by tho leading mercantile bodies, except on the assumption that they were outmatched in private conferences with the Cabinet and its lawyers, or that they were afraid of being accused of playing into the hands of the Conservatives. The "Morning Post" states that it is better that tho Declaration of London should be ratified with the consent of tho Dominions than without. The future would provo whether its critics were right. Tho Dominions cannot blame this country when their own representatives have committed them to a full share of responsibility. Australia and tho Declaration, ' Tho "Standard" states that Mr. Fisher modified some of his opinions about the Declaration under the influence of the British Government, but arguments which wore convincing in Downing Street may not survive transportation, since Australian ships and neutral ships alike would bo liable to seizure if privateering were permitted. "The truth is (hat Sir E. Grey and Mr. M'Kcnna have been completely outfaced by foreign diplomats." The "Standard" further states that Mr. Fisher has shown a strong desire to get in line with tho other delegates, but Australia considers the Declaration too groat a menace to trade. It would have been better if Mr. Fisher had not displayed such a desire to be convinced. Eo had come under the Home Ministers'

pressure, and had drifted away from Australian opinion. Australians will find it liard to forgive its delegates for standing aside. It would not hnvo forgiven them if they had voted. SIR J. WARD INTERVIEWED. ."BEST FOR THE EMPIRE." London, June 3. Tho "Evening Standard" publishes an interview with Sir Jos?ph Ward, in which ho defends the Conference for approving of the ratification of the Declaration of London, though ho admits thero was room for considerable, differonce of opinion as to details. He spoke for himself in the views ho expressed. The overseas representatives approached the subject with absolutely independent minds, and arrived at the decision which they considered would bo best for tho Empire. FIJI AND THE NEW HEBRIDES. .VIEWS OP MR. DATCHELOR. London, June 3. I Mr. Batchelor, Australian Minister for ' External Affairs, in on interview with reference to the Anglo-French position in the New Hebrides, declared that his Government was endeavouring to promote Australian and British interests as far as possible. On tho question of tho suggested transfer of Fiji to the Commonwealth, ho said that such a scheme was not contemplated, although it was probable that in the future tho islands would come under Australia or New Zealand. Ho intended to discuss with Mr. HaTCOurt (tho Secretary for the Colonies) tho details of a proposal for linking tho Pacific Islands by wireless telegraphy. ALL-RED ROUTE. FOOD IN TIME OF WAR. London, Juno 2. Supporters of tho All-Red Route laid documents before tho Imperial Conference, including Admiral Sir Cyprian Bridge's report favouring Blacksod Bay (Ireland) as tho port of arrival of ships bringing food in time of war. Blacksod being more remote from a probable enemy's base, a smaller naval force would bo required to defend it than any other line of communication to the United Kingdom. Blacksod should be tho port to which cargoes by neutral vessels should be consigned if the Declaration of London is approved. This could bo done without danger of interference by hostile warships. HONORARY DEGREES. (Rec. June 5, 0.15 a.m.) London, Juno i. The University of Glasgow will confer on Mr. Fisher and Sir Joseph Ward tho honorary degree of Doctor of Laws in July. GUESTS OF MR, HARCOURT, (Rec. Juno 5, 0.15 a.m.) London, Juno i. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Sir Joseph Ward, and General Botha spent the week-end as tho guests of Mr. Horcourt (Secretary for tho Colonies), at Nuneham Park, Oxford.