IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 244, 9 July 1921, Page 7

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

SHIPPING FACILITIES AN INVESTIGATION BOARD APPOINTMENT MOVED FOR BY MR. MASSEY By Telegraph—Press Association- Copyright (Rec. July 9, 1.10 a.m.) London, July 7. Mr. Massey brought up a resolution at the Premiers’ Conference—(l) That in order to maintain satisfactory connections and at the same time encourage commercial and industrial relations between tho different countries of the Empire. this conference is of opinion that shipping on tho principal, routes, especially between the heart of the Empire and tlie overseas Dominions, including India, should be brought under review by an inter-Imnerial Board, on which tho United Kingdom, tho Dominions, and dependencies should be represented; (2) that for I his purpose an. Imperial Investigation Board, representing the various parts of the Empire, bo appointed with power to inquire into and report upon, all matters connected with ocean freights, also to report on shipping facilities and all matters connected with the development of the sea communications of the different parts of the Empire, with special reference to tho’ size and type of ships and capacities of harbours; the board to include, in addition to representatives of the Governments concerned, persons with expert knowledge of the problems involved. including representatives of shipping and trading interests. Mr. Massev said the matters wore discussed in 1918. and there was every indication lhen that they would bo considered as urgent, but apparently nothing was done. The report presented to conference was one of the most colourless documents ever seen. He intended to bring the matter up again.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. NAVAL~DEFENCE INDIA PREPARED TO CONTRIBUTE IN RETURN FOB. CONCESSIONS FROM DOMINIONS. (Reo. July 8, 11.45 p.m.) London, July 7. Th© Australian Press Association learns that India, is prepared .to contribute to naval defence' in the Pacific and Eastern waters, provided certain concessions are made w'ith regard to equal treatment and the status of Indians in the Dominions. Both Mr. Hughes and General Smuts realise the importance of an amicable settlement on the latter question. Probably an agreement will be reached acceptable to all parties. It is understood that Indians are.to. hold commissions in ships commissioned at India’s expense. Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE EGYPTIAN QUESTION DISCUSSION ADJOURNED. London, July 6. At to-day’e sitting of the Imperial Conference. after Lord Curzon had made an introductory statement on British relations with Egypt and .the Milner Mission. Mr. Hughes opened the discussion, to which Mr. Meighen, General Smuts, Mr. Massey, Mr? Churchill, Mr. Balfour, and Mr. Lloyd George contributed. The Conference decided that the. proposals for meeting the Egyptian national aspirations and safeguarding Imperial interests now under consideration by the British Government should bo discussed in detail at a later date by tho Dominion Ministers and the representatives of India, in view of tho arrival of the Egyptian delegation now on the way te England.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. EUROPEAN SITUATION CONFERENCE DISCUSS INNER. FACTS. (Rec. July 9, 1.15 a.m.) London, July 7. The Conference to-day discussed the, inner facte of. ,the European situation, which were secret and confidential.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. emigrationTproposals COMMITTEE REPORTING DIRECT TO PREMIERS. (Rec. July 9, 1.15 a.m.) London, July 7. The Emigration Committee is reporting direct to the Premiers in favour of the Imperial Government’s emigration proposals. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE REPARATION QUOTAS London, July 6. According to the decisions of the Conferences at Spa, Paris, and London, tho British Empire is to receive 22J per cent, of tho total reparations paid by Germany. The Imperial Conference discussed tho quotas to be allotted to each Dominion, and, the debate was adjourned. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RECEPTION TO PREMIERS AND WIVES (Rec. July 9, 1.15 a.m.) London, July 7. The Government tendered a reception to the Premiers and their wives at Lancaster House.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MR. HUGHES’S RETURN VISIT TO INDIA POSSIBLE. London, July 7. Mr. Hughes has practically decided not to return via America, and possibly will accept the invitation of tho Maharao of Cutch to see the Indian Parliament working. Ho expects to arrive in Australia in the first week of October. Lady Northcote presented Mrs. Hughes with a gold chain with a.n enamel and diamond pendant. Mr. Hughes, at Buckingham Pa law. conversed freely with the King, who has an extensive knowledge of Australian conditions and politics. The Queen, was also interested. The King and Queen of the Belgians talked with Mr. Hughes. King Albert said: "You country is very great and very new - ; mine is very small and very old. Yet your people did wonderful things to help ns. The Belgians can never forget.” Tho Prince of Wales takes a personal interest in Australians, and seeks Mr. Hughes out at public functions, and converses long and intimately with him — Aus.-N.Z. Cable. Assn.