EMPIRE CONFERENCE

Evening Star, Issue 17710, 11 July 1921, Page 4

EMPIRE CONFERENCE

———T \ ANGLO-JAPAHESE TREATY Pres* Association—By Telegraph—'Copyright. LONDON, July 8. In tho House of Commons Mr Lloyd George explained that his proposed parliamentary statement in reference to the Ang_lo-Japaneso..AUianco depends upon the receipt of replies from the United States, Japan, and China. The ‘ Daily Chronicle ’ states that the conference favors Angio-Japaneso friendship being harmonised with free development in China in close co-operation with the United States. _ The ‘ Nation ’ says: Not for the first time in recent years tho inert, poorly-led democracy of this country has reason to bo grateful to tho Dominions—or some of them. They have imposed a check on the Government’s intention to renew the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. Before tho stubborn resistance of Canada and the powerful influence of South Africa tho Prime Minister has been driven to accept delay as a middle course. Canada made it clear that she would contract herself out of the treaty if it wore renewed. The risk of driving Canada into independence should deter us from renewing the treaty.—A. and N.Z. Cable. INDIA’S ASPIRATIONS. LONDON ,July 8. The morning session of the Conference was occupied with Indian affairs. The Maharajah of Cutch and -?Jr Sastri stated the case for equality of citizenship within the Empire. They admitted the right of the Dominions to restrict immigration, but opposed invidious discrimination between Indians and other British subjects. They expressed satisfaction with the first instalment of Indian self-govern-ment, and hoped that it would develop into a full Dominion government.—A. and N.Z. Cable. THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS. LONDON ,July 8. Mr Balfour followed with an exposition of the League of Nations, which, he claimed, had already proved of incalculable advantage to tho participating nations. Tho league was destined to become tho greatest instrument of peace in the world. The British delegates to tho League of Nations Council attended the Imperial Conference and explained tho position as to the,League’s progress and outlook. A. short discussion followed, all the Prime Ministers participating. Tho tone of some of the speeches was almost hostile, the opinion being expressed that unless there were signs of improvement the League was a useless extravagance. Later Mr Sastri made a statement on behalf of tho Government of India. The Conference was not unanimous regarding the League. Mr Balfour and General Smuts were enthusiastic, Mr Meighen optimistic, Mr Hughes pessimistic, and Mr Massey mildly sympathetic towards Mr Sastri’s demand on behalf of, Indians for equality of citizenship within the Empire, including the Dominions and colonies. That matter was referred to a committee’, representing Parliament, the Colonial Office, and the India Office, to report to the Conference.—A. and N.Z. Gable. THE NEW HEBRIDES. LONDON ,July 8. The Imperial Conference this morning was attended by officers of tho Colonial Office, '(Messrs Hughes and Massey, and also representatives of the Foreign Office, to discuss the New Hebrides and the failure of the condominium. Mr Hughes put forward a proposal for consideration by the British Government, and Mr Churchil promised to bring the idea before Cabinet with a view to future discussion. It was agreed that Mr Hughes, who is visiting France, should take up tho question with the French Government after conferring again with the Colonial and Foreign Offices. It is understood that his suggestion is on tho lines already cabled. —A. and N.Z. Cable. [lt was suggested that the control of tho islands should pass to Great Britain or to Australia, Franco to he compensated by a monetary grant or territory somewhere else in exchange.] DOMINION PREMIERS. LONDON .July 8. The Indian delegates invited the Dominion Premiers to visit India as guests of the Government, but Mr Massey, Mr Meighen, and General Smuts regretted they could not afford time. Mr Hughes has been invited to Bath on July 23 to receive (he freedom of the city. It ia considered likely that ho will pay a- flying visit to Gallipoli when returning home. Ho will join the steamer at Port Said.—A. and N.Z. Cable. July 9. (Mr Lloyd George, who is at Chequers Court, is having an important consultation with Ministers on Sunday. The Dominion Premiers are also there.—A. and N.Z. Cable.