PACIFIC PROBLEMS

Evening Star, Issue 18033, 29 July 1922, Page 2

PACIFIC PROBLEMS

THE HONOLULU CONFERENCE. An invitation has been received by the Commonwealth Government to participate in the Pan-Pacific Conference to be held at Honolulu in October next. Many questions of considerable importance to Australia and nil countries bordering the Pacific are listed for consideration ; some, political, some commercial, some economic. Tho question of Australian representation will bo considered by the Federal Cabinet at an early date, and it is thought likely, in view of Australia's close interest in the questions to be discussed and the recognition of responsibilities under the Washington Treaty, that some official representative will bo despatched. Among the subjects listed in tho agenda paper are cable and wireless facilities, analysis of trade routes and development of possible new routes, free zones or free ports in Pacific lands, pan-Pacilic fisiienes, development of fuel resources, steps towards prevention of crises in .’the world rice and sugar situations, relief of exchange difficulties, uniformity in bills of exchange and other commercial documents, terms of credit as an aid to foreign trade, standardisation of trade certificates, arbitration of commercial misunderstandings, and other subjects relating to the development and conservation of natural resources of countries bordering the Pacific. An elaborate programme of festivities, entertainments, and visitations to pineapple and sugar plantations will extend hem October 24 to November 8. The object of the conference is declared to bo the discussion and furthering c; interests common to tho Pacific nations. Delegates will assemble at Honolulu on October 24, and bureaus of inform ition will,bo available to disseminate information, of all kinefe relating to Pacific countries. One of tho major purposes u to reach a better understanding and cooperation amongst the countries represented. A pan-Pacific commercial museum and art gallery, with a pan-Pacific exposition of handicraft and works of art and illustrating great Pacific industries, are also projected. Tho co-operation of ’uterested Governments and chambers of commerce is sought. Among the honoraiy presidents of the Pacific Union arc President Harding, the Prime Minister (Mr Hughes), the Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr W. F- Massey), tho Prime Minister of Canada, the President of China, and the President of the Japanese House of Peers.