IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Gisborne Times, Volume LIX, Issue 9577, 31 July 1923, Page 5

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

PRESS CRITICISM ON FEDERAL F REAMER'S SPEECH. CLOSER TOUCH WITH HOMELAND APPROVED. “TRADE GOES WITH DEFENCE.” (Received Julv 30, 9.15 p in.) LONDON, July 30. Tin: Morning Post in a leader on Mr. Bruce’s latest speech says: The Prime -Minister of Australia has evidently been thinking things out. He sees that Australia must have allies, and that they arc to he found within the British Empire- Upon these firm foundations lie elaborates his policy, which follows that which Australian statesmen have taken since Sir Samuel Griffiths mil Mr. Alfred Deakin pressed for a colonial conference in ISB7. After recalling details of Air. Bruco’s policy file Morning Post says: “The making of Imperial conferences more frequent is an excellent proposal, hut it would he sounder to develop the powers and status of High Commissioners rather than to send the weakest member of a Government to London. There should also he a permanent Secretariat of the. Imperial Conference, which would keep the Dominions in touch with the policy of the Foreign Office, the Admiralty, the War Office, and the Board of Trade, as well as the Colonial Office. As for trade that goes with defence. If we trade in common we will ho more eager to join in the defence of our common means of livelihood.”—.A and N.Z.C.A.