EMPIRE WIRELESS

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 16, 21 July 1921, Page 7

EMPIRE WIRELESS

MATTER HANGING FIRE

MR. HUGHES STRONG FOR DIRECT

COMMUNICATION,

(UNITED PRESS .ASSOCIATION.—COFSRIGHT.)

(AUSTRALIAN • SETT ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.) LONDON, 19th July.

The wireless question is hanging fire at the Imperial Conference. Mr. Hughes is strenuously opposing Sir Henry Norman's scheme, which provides for only a small radiua, preventing direct communication even with Canada, America, or the Far East. It is true that it is possiblo to hear messages from anywhere, but it is impossible to transmit. Mr. Hughes contends that the essence of propaganda is getting fresh news and views before the world at the earliest moment; It is no use simply listening to what others have to say. Wireless, to be of any use to Australia,* must be able to speak anywhere, direct, accurately, and uninterruptedly. Austraiia will not be satisfied with anything short of this ideal. Local views on the Empire's and the world's affairs are often likely io have a great influence if delivered promptly. Departmental experts and officials favour the Norman scheme, accentuating the cost, "unreliability, and difficulties of direct communication; yet the wireless companies; also Mr. Marconi, support Mr. Hughes, contending that anything except a direct service is obsolete.