EMPIRE AIR SCHEME

Evening Star, Issue 22274, 27 February 1936, Page 14

EMPIRE AIR SCHEME

AUSTRALIA'S NEXT MOVE CONFERENCE WITH BRITISH GOVERNMENT Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright CANBERRA, February 26. (Received February 27, at 1 a.in.) Mr L yons, after mooting the Federal Cabinet, stated that further negotiations with the British Government regarding the Empire air mail proposals would he conducted on behalf of the Commonwealth by Dr Earl Page (Minister of Commerce) and Mr R. G. Menzios (Attorney-General) upon their arrival in London. Mr Lyons said it was considered that it would be more satisfactory for negotiations to be carried on by Mr Menzios and Dr Page by a personal conference with the British authorities than for them to bo conducted by cable message. Mr Lyons added that the Commonwealth at no time had flatly turned down the British proposals. It had submitted counter-proposals and had received modified proposals. The Commonwealth would communicate its views to the British Government and would meantime have the opportunity of getting info closer touch with the New Zealand Government and exchanging views with it. FAVOURABLE OMEN LONDON, February 26. (Received February 27, at 1 p.m.) The fact that the Commonwealth Ministry has instructed Dr Page and Mr Menzies to continue the air mail negotiations in London is regarded here as a favourable omen for a compromise, because there has been a widespread impression in England that Mr Menzies is the strongest Cabinet supporter of the original British proposals.