IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Evening Star, Issue 17691, 18 June 1921, Page 4

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

. A VITAL ISSUE. NAVAL DEFENCE. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, June 16, (Received June IS, at 10.25 a.m.) Monday’s sitting of the Coriferonco is likely to pass without important _ results. So many details roquin examination that marked progress is net likely to be apparent for a day or two. Tho naval defence of tho Empire will bo debated warmly at the Conference. The representatives of Britain have said quite ■plainly that she cannot, unaided, bear any longer tho enormous expense of maintaining a navy auffioiently strong to guarantee* the safety, of every part of the Empire, Britain herself has been the first to recognise that tho Dominions should havo a voice in framing' tho foreign policy; but a strong foreign policy would bo no good without a powerful navy to back it up. These points will be put before the delegates by tho Imperial authorities, and it will bo left for the Conference to decide what shall be done. It is considered likely that Lord Jclliooc’s recommendations that Britain should pay three-quarters of the annual cost and the Dominions one-quarter will bo tho basis of tho discussions. The protection of the IT ills will, of course, largely focus tho Australian viewpoint. Mr Hughes says that Australia is ready to shoulder her prut of the burden. The other delegates are not so outspoken, although Mr Mcighen lias stated that Canada’s financial position prohibits her from embarking on any substantial naval programme at present. . It will be pointed out at tbs Conference lhat whereas Canada, South Africa, and India are with’ i comparatively easy ‘■teaming distance of the most powerful naval force that can he drawn from tho centre of Britain’s might, help could not como to Australia or New Zealand in an miergency in less that a month. If these outposts of Empire are not to be instantly crippled on an unexpected outbreak of sorao war before relief arrives, : t wil: bo necessary to maintain in the Racine a sufficiently strong holding force to keep off tho enemy for at least four weeks This’.would neoesjitate provision in tho Pacific of bases, docks, and victualling and coaling stations at convenient points, not only to nmi.itain the holding force, but also to provide for the needs of a smashing force- on its arrival, because its first requirements would most certainly bo coal and refitting. This defence by sea must be adequate to meet all tho possibilities The Commonwealth cannot provide this from its own resources any more than Britain can provide for the defence of tho whole Empire. 'lTie.ro can be no argument about that phase. Tho only room for discussion is on tho allocation of the cost. No official .statement is available yet, and Mr Hughes and Mr Massey both refuse to discuss the matter; but it is quite certain that they will put forward views on the Pacific problem very strongly and frankly at (he, proper time.— A. and N.Z. Cable. (Received Juno 18, at 10.45 a.m.) It may lie taken for granted that tho Henderson scheme will be abandoned, but such parts of it as have been developed will be maintained. Tims Australia will bo kept constantly ready to fight, and (ho smaller ships, carrying the, nucleus of the crows, will bo kept in a. slate of efficiency. The, Adelaide will be completed as soon as funds aro available. Naval men "with whom her future was discussed deplored even tho suggestion that she, should bo allowed to rust at anchor in Sydney Harbor. They regard the Adelaide as likely to bo the most effective unit of the fleet, and dne of tho most up-to-date warships of its kind. —A. and N.Z. Gable. (Received June 18, at 11.50 a.m.) Meanwhile, controversy is raging regarding the choice of names for the Conference. General Smuts started it by saying; “Wo must find a, name, for future meetings.” “Imperial Conference,” and “Imperial Cabinet,” it is contended, do not adequately describe the assembly, but it has been suggested that “Congress” would. ‘The Times’s’ correspondent prefers “Britannic” to cither “Empire” or “Imperial,” and his view is meeting with some support.—A. and N..Z Cable." POINTS 0F DIFFERENCE. LONDON, June 17. Interest in tho Imperial Conference is quickening. At the Savoy and Cecil Hotels tho delegations keep to themselves. The loaders are careful to say nothing that is likely to betray their plans ; but, without .suggesting intrigue, there is reason to believe that this apparent, isolation is not ro real in private. It is known that certain feelers have been put out, and in one, ease at least messages have been exchanged, by devious ways. One group is openly opposed to tire White Australia policy, am! another would block discu.-sion on naval defence in tho Pacific, if it could ; while, a third cannot, understand the Australian view in regard to a renewal of the Anglo-Japnno=o-Treaty. However, these preliminary skirmishes in tho dark arc not regarded as indicating any settled policy or unofficial agreements, and in the conference each, Prime Minister will depend 1 upon force of argument rather than upon finesse to win his case. —A. and N.Z. Cable.