IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 156, 20 March 1923, Page 7

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

DIFFICULTY OF FIXING DATE

IMPORTANT DECISIONS TO BE MADE

POSTPONEMENT POSSIBLE

by Telegraph.—press association. —Copyright.

London, March 18

It is' learned that the Imperial and Economic Conferences have been'tentatively fixed for either September or the early part of October. Otherwise they must be postponed until next year.

The Imperial Government’s trouble is that it cannot obtain a consensus of opinion from the Dominions for the quite understandable reason that each Dominion is, or has been, passing through political crises, which have precluded a definite engagement for months ahead, and conditions even now tire uncertain. It is not because the Imperial Government hesitates; on the contrary, it is only too eager to proceed with both conferences nt the earliest possible date. Unfortunately the five Dominions take five separate views. Australia only unreservedly insists on both conferences being held together in September or October. South Africa suggests September or October, but, if either is impracticable, considers that tho conferences must be postponed until next .year. This year Canada willingly accepts whatever the majority decides, provided that both conferences are held together. Now Zealand is uncertain, and Newfoundland non-com-mittal, pending the results of the general elections. It is understood that Mr. Bonar Law attaches extreme importance to the Economic Conference, because upon its decision or recommendations largely depends future .notion in relation to preference and other measures for the of inter-imperial" economic development. If it is impossible to get all the Prime Ministers together in September or October, the Imperial authorities suggest, holding the Economic Conference only, upon the understanding that its membership consists of experts only, and its work is purely preparatory. subject to reconsideration, ratification, or amendment by tlie Imperial Conference next year.

If both are impossible this rear, the Imperial authorities suggest that both be postponed uqtil next year, contemporaneously with the opening of the Empire Exhibition. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.