THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 304, 17 September 1921, Page 7

THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

AUSTRALASIAN REPRESENTATION DIVIDED 6PINION IN THE COMMONWEALTH The representation of Australia and New Zealand at the Washington conference is being widely discussed in the Commonwealth. Lord Northcliffe has pointed to the vital importance of the conference being an absolute success, By Telegranh—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. September IG, 7.25 p.m.) Melbourne, September 16. Politicians and the Press are agitated over the question of the Washington conference. There is a strongly-voiced opinion. that tho interests'of Australia and New Zealand in the Pacific are most important; and that their views should be expressed at the conference. Opinion is, howevfr, divided on the matter of representation. it is urged on the one hand that ft representative of a Dominion, especially a Prime Minister, should not lie subordinate to an Imperial Minister, or should have any less status than another delegate. The contention is that he should hold tho rank and exorcise the authority of a full member of the conference. On the other hand it is claimed that Australasian interests are safe in the hands of the representatives of the Imperial Government, and that there is no ! need to send anybody from Australia. Strong opposition is also expressed to Mr. Hughes.pgain leaving the Commonwealth for a. lengthy period after his protracted absence, in London, thereby further hanging up z urgent domestic affairs.

Whether Mr. Hughes has any tentative plan or understanding with Mr. Lloyd George which would enable him to be included in the conference as an Imperial delegate is not known. The whole matter of the conference remains in abeyance till his return.

Lord Northcliffe Urges Full Publicity. Lord Northcliffe, speaking at a Journalists’ Association reception, urged that it was essential that publicity be given to’ the proceedings of the Washington conference. He hoped that .Australasian newspapers would bo able to obtain information necesary to follow proceedings so momentous to Australasia. If he were an Australian or a New Zealander, he would be a little uncertain of the future, for he was sure that unless the conference was an absolute success this might not bo the land of freedom and nlenty that it was to-day. He re ; ferred to journalism as a very high profession. and said that he’had twice refused Cabinet rank in order to preserve .his independence in that profession.— Press Assn.