The Grey River Argus WEDNESDAY, May 3, 1944. PREMIERS’ CONFERENCE.

Grey River Argus, 3 May 1944, Page 4

The Grey River Argus WEDNESDAY, May 3, 1944. PREMIERS’ CONFERENCE.

It may be years before the deliberations of the conference of the five Empire Prime Ministers now proceeding in London become fully known. It has been described as a council of war, but it obviously will look not only to the end of the Avar but also to its consequences. The immediate issue for this country and Australia is evidently that of food supply, which may lead to a change in the disposition of Dominion forces, since from these must come manpower to step up production. Something of the sort is in progress already, and further developments are to be expected, with the possible repatriation of more men. The general question of imperial cohesion, especially in foreign policy, while it will be raised by Mr. Curtin’s proposal for an Empire Council, does not appear likely to lead to any immediate change of machinery. It is said that Canada’s dislike of such- a closer unification is supported outside the Empire, presumably in America. On the other hand Canada may have economic objectives which ally her with the United States more closely than any other British country. However, traditionally these conferences are designed for the resolution of just such diverse tendencies as those which may at present exist, and it is by discussion among imperial statesmen that reconciliation of divergent interests will be attainable. It has been already broadly hinted that Britain desires that when it comes to peace making she shall to retain the backing of a united empire, as she otherwise would lack weight in comparison with the United States and Russia. The Dominion Prime Ministers will obtain a much closer insight into Britain’s negotiations with the other major United Nations regarding tlje post-war set up oi the world militarily, politically, and economically. Britain w’fil undoubtedly be anxious also to ensure as far as possible the retention of her preferential trading position on the markets of 'the Dominions, although she doubtless will have at the same time to persuade the Dominions that preference is consistent with a widening of her own exchanges. It is said tha't on this matter an agreement is not in sight. The aviation question is one of importance,: especially in the light of American ascendancy in aircraft production, and another aspect of post-war transport competition is that of shipping, in which also the war has seen phenomenal United States expansion. It is stated that the Dominion Prime Ministers are to be consulted regarding the future of Germany and Japan, and the question of a league of nations, as to which, however, ithc British policy may entirely be that proposed by Britain. Colonia] administration, with a proposal for grouping around the-Domin-ions, is to be also considered, and in this respect, as well as that of future peace and security, the Canberra Pact will have a definite meaning at this conference. Migration plans are included in the agenda, and relate apparently to a transfer of people from Britain to the Dominions rather than to the colonies. Remembering that greater secrecy surrounds this conference than any which Empire Prime Ministers have previously held, there may be assumed to be decisions imminent of which the public have yet tio inkling. Much still hinges on the course of the war. One thing, however, is not in doubt. The unity of the Empire will dictalte unity at the conference.