The Dominion MONDAY, MARCH 12, 1923. IMPERIAL CONFERENCES

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 149, 12 March 1923, Page 6

The Dominion MONDAY, MARCH 12, 1923. IMPERIAL CONFERENCES

The uncertainty which exists as to when the next Conference of the Premiers of the Empire will be held and also as to the date o the proposed Economic Conference on Imperial questions does not seem P likely to be removed for some time to come. The unsettled state of political parties in different parts of the Empire is the chief Australia, political matters appear to be straightening out. The fusion of the Nationalist and Country parties tor the time being assures for the Commonwealth a Government with a strong workingmajority'and a definite and progressive policy. It is from Australia at the present time that the more pressing demands for an Imperial Conference have been received. The new Commonwealth Prim* Minister regards such a conference as urgently necessary. Political conditions in Canada, however, are somewhat uncertain, and in South Africa Mb. Smuts does not appear to be. anxious that the conference should be held in the early future. It would seem, however, that the objections of Mr. Smuts are based rather on the ground of the difficulty of getting a fully representative gathering than on any formidable obstacle existing to South. Africa being repraHefo in New Zealand the situation is such that the hopelessness of the Prime Minister being able to visit London in tho near future to participate in such a conference is apparent to all. With political parties as they arc and with no sign at the moment of any material change in prospect this Dominion must stand aloof from any conference of Prime Ministers. It might, however, be represented at tho proposed Economic Conference by someone other than a Minister of the Crown. The holding of a conference on Imperial questions has come to be recognised as a matter oi’Sressing importance. Quite apart from the value of these periodical gatherings as a normal part of Efnpire organisation, the conditions which have developed in world affairs within tho past two years make an early stock-taking of the views of Britain and the overseas Dominions on a number of issues a. question of urgent necessity. Trade development within the Empire, involving the questions of preferential treatment and financial assistance for overseas industries from British capital, the problem of immigration, Empire defence, certain phases of the existing procedure, in regard to foreign policy, are amongst tho items in an agenda which are regarded as calling for early attention. In certain respects the Empire during the past two years has been drifting. For one reason or another it has postponed or failed to come to a decision on some questions which must affect the future policy of the Empire in a very marked degree—perhaps vitally. The state of world affairs has changed very materially since the last Conference of Prime Ministers in London, and probably it will be found that changes m views of some parts of the Empire; on important matters of policy have also taken place. . In Canada and South Africa, in Australia, and possibly in Britain itself there have been evidences of an,altered outlook; while New Zealand has shown no very marked change on any of the main questions which concern the "Empire as a whole. What these changes really portend, how far they are likely to influence the future relations of the various parts of the Empire, how they can best be turned to the advancement of Imperial unity—such questions ns these cannot be satisfactorily answered without a frank interchange of opinion around the conference table. There is, of course, a possibility that later in tho vear tha obstacles which at present prevent such a conference being held will be removed. Apart from New Zealand, tho other self-governing Dominions will in all probability be in a position to send their Prime Ministers to London about September or October. New Zealand's only prospect of doing so appears to be in the event of a working agreement with the Liberals being reached; or failing this through another general election being held which might give one party a working majority. 1 Possibly in the coming contest for the Tauranga seat Sir Joseph Ward may disclose his attitude on the question of a linking-up of the Reform and Liberal parties. He has had the reputation of being a sound Imperialist, and he ?hould be amongst the first to recognise the importance of every possible effort being made to enable the delayed London Conference to be held at the earliest possible moment.