EMPIRE PRIME MINISTERS

Evening Star, Issue 19408, 17 November 1926, Page 4

EMPIRE PRIME MINISTERS

DEFENSE DISCUSSION MR BRUCE’S EXPOSITION Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyrlgt' LONDON,, November 16. Mr truce’s speech on defence was the longest and most of all _ those given by the dominion Prime Ministers. It is understood that lie examined in detail the position of the Pacific, and repeated his declaration that Australia regarded Singapore os an integral part of her defence system._ He went on to point out that the British Labor Mm* istry’s .jettisoning of Singapore had changed the whole of Australia’s defence policy and affected her position. In responding to the Imperial suggestion that the dominions should bear a larger share of the cost of the Empire s defence, he maintained that Australia had already done so because, in the face of much criticism, she had placed orders for two Washington cruisers and two submarines, which, added to the existing fleet, constituted the largest contribution to the Royal Navy. It is gathered that New Zealand and India are willing to give material assistance, but consideration of the scale of cash contributions has not yet been reached.

The conference has concluded the general discussion on Empire defence, but the resolution stage has not been reached. Mr Mackenzie King, Mr Bruce, Mr Coates, Mr Monroe, Mr Havenga, Mr O’Higgins, and the Maharajah of Burdwah made speeches The conference decided for the present not to issue any report for publication. All the delegates spoke most appreciatively of the arrangements for the recent naval, aerial, and tank demonstrations. METHODS OF CONSULTATION. The discussion on delence, interimperial relations, and foreign affairs created a unanimous insistence for improved methods of consultation. Australia’s liaison system with the Foreign Office often cropped up as an example of closer contact, but tlie desire appears to be for something even more direct. Australia’s system is regarded ns experimental, as Mr Bruce admits it is intended to be. The delegates so far have not settled on any plan, though the enlargement of the responsibilities of the High Commissioners or the appointment of special accredited officials of a high status are amongst the suggestions considered. “We are hammering away at this and other things affecting our relationships, and should have them all straightened out in a day or two,” was the assurance given to-night. THE PRIVY COUNCIL. It' is also suggested that an agreement on the Privy Council will eliminate corporation and criminal cases from its jurisdiction, leaving only constitutional issues, in which case tho Irish Free State will gain its object of the unfettered control of Its own judicature. OIL POLLUTION. The report of the General Economic Sub-committee on oil pollution, which has been adopted by the conference, advocates the adoption by the Empire Governments of the recommendations of tho Washington Conference. The report states: “ It seems necessary that some of_ the dominions should exercise the option of extending the area to 150 nautical miles from the coast.” SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS. The sub-committeo welcomes the prospect of the wider adoption interimperially and Internationally of the Brussels yules covering bills of lading,

and commends the Brussels conventions relating to the limitation of a shipowner’s liability for maritime mortgages and liens to the consideration of the Governments throughout the Empire. The sub-committee discussed the exclusion of drawbacks in the valuation of goods for Customs purposes, and generally agreed that several points might be considered regarding special or dumping duties. It is understood that the responsible authorities will examine the subject. It was the general opinion that ii was desirable to maintain the Imperia Shipping Committee on its present basis. MORE COMMITTEE WORK. The Overseas Settlement Committee, after a wide field of mquiry by subcommittees, which examined in great detail tho migration possibilities ol Canada. Australia, and New Zealand, expects to complete its report to-mor-row. The Economic Committee has concluded consideration of the film question, and is nearing the end of its business. The Imperial Relations Committee sat again to-day. Members of the conference will go lo Cardington on Wednesday to inspect I Ttli© new airslup being constructed i there. The next plenary meeting will bo held on Thursday.