PRIME MINISTERS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 260, 28 July 1921, Page 5

PRIME MINISTERS

PREPARING TO LEAVE LONDON BUSINESS APPROACHING COMPLETION By Telegraph—Pres* Association-Copyright. London, July 26. Tho Primo Ministers are preparing to depart. General Smuts has booked his passage for Friday. Sir Thomas Smartt is accompanying him. Colonel Mentz contemplates a tour in Scotland. General Smuts is prepared to cancel his departure should the Imperial authorities invito him to further assist in the Irish question. Mr. Meighen will leave on August 4, when the business of the Conferenco is expected to be completed. The naval policy, air service, and wireless scheme aro still to bo completed, although all are requiring only the finishing touches. ’The discussions on tho Pacific question interrupted the continuity of the proceedings, but tho committees are still keeping in touch with the various questions. Again questioned whether there was a possibility of him going to AVashington, Mr. W. M. Hughes raid: "I have not tho remotest Intention. I must go home, in accordance with my promise. It is Impossible for me to go to Australia and return to Washington. I might get there before the disarmament question is finally settled, but the matter in winch Australia is vitally would be well out of the way by then.” Apparently there is an impression in soma quarters that it is proposed to hold a preliminary conference, then tho Pacifio conference, and afterwards the disarmament discussion. Three conferences were never contemplated, and the disarmament on© is tho only meeting approved so far. The purpose of the suggested Pacific gathering, however called, is to clear the way for the disarmament conference, which is impossible of effective result unless tho Eastern questions are settled beforehand. It is stated unofficially to-day that the prospect of tho disarmament conference is regarded as hopeful, provided America and Japan adjust their differences happily beforehand.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PACIFIC PROBLEMS DISCUSSION AT DOWNING STREET London, July 26. Tho discussion on the Pacific problems was continued at Downing Street this morning. Lord Curzon, Mr. Balfour, Mr. Churchill, Mr. Montague, and Sir Maurice Hanker attending, in addition to tho Dominion representatives. At 6 o’clock in the evening another meeting was hurriedly called, although most of the delegates were booked for an official dinner nt 7 o’clock. The meeting ended at 7 o’clock, and all apparently were well pleased. There was no announcement. While the conference continued dispatch boxes were delivered at the Cabinet rooms. It is understood that official cable messages were being exchanged continually east and west, but the one most, sought did not arrive, causing a deferment of a statement. —N.Z. Cable Assn. COMMITTEE ON AIR SERVICES QUESTIONS TO BE REPORTED ON (Rec. July 27, 5.5 p.m.) London, July 26.■ Major Guest (Secretary of State for Air), in ' the House of Commons, replying to a question, said the Imperial Conference Committee appointed to consider the question of airships had been ordered to* report, firstly on the costs of masts, the basis of fuel supply, upkeep and operation of the existing airship fleet for purposes of Imperial air communications, with special reference to routes between Britain, India, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand; secondly, services by aeroplanes. The committee will report also on proposals for the formation of civil companies to operate airships. Tho report is complete, and will bo handed to-day to tho Colonial Office—Aus.-N.Z.• Cable Assn. FORECAST OF THE REPORT. (Rcc. July 27, 5.5 p.m.) London, July 26. Tho "Daily Chronicle” forecasts the report of the committee on air communications which has been presented to Mr. Churchill. The paper , says: It would be too expensive an undertaking to maintain tho present British airships.for the purposes of the. Imperial service, instead of scrapping them on August 1 as the Government proposes. The proposal to try an experimental period of six months, at a cost of £lBO,OOO. has l>eon abandoned, because having already proved that Australasia and South Africa can be reached bv air experiments are unnecessary. Little good will be obtainable from the Imperial air service unless it is run for longer than six months. A term of years is required to prove if such n. service will be commercially remunerative.” —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.