THE PRPEFERENCE ISSUE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 22 December 1924, Page 5

THE PRPEFERENCE ISSUE.

DISARMAMENT FBOTOCOL.. •BY UAIiLii—TRUSS ASSOC! AITOX -COPYRIGHT LONDON, Dec. 19. It is understood that tiyo Empire conferences of supreme importance are to be called shortly. The first is the economic standing conference, of Avhicli the membership includes High. Commissioner or other official representatives of the Dominions, unless the Dominions prefer to send Ministers for the purpose. The economic conference is for the purpose of consultation regarding the application of the preference resolution of the last- Imperial Conference, and the allocation of (lie £1,000,000 trade grant. The Imperial Government also contemplate, calling a conference of Empire Prime Ministers about March for the purpose of arriving at an agreement on the Geneva disarmament protocol. The conference, is to be confined to this one' subject, and Avill be limited to •Prime Ministers. The proposal awaits Cabinet ratification, Avhicli' is expected next Aveek, Avhereupon the Premier (Mi*. Stanley BaldAvin) will, probably cable an invitation to the Prime Ministers of the Dominions.

“OF GENERAL IMPERIAL INTEREST.”

LONDON. Dec 20

Correspondence betAveen the Imperial and Dominion Governments “relative to matters of foreign and general Imperial interest” is to be tabled in the House of Commons to-day, but Avill not be available for publication her e for seA’eral days. ISSUING THE INVITATIONS. - ■ LONDON, Dec. 21. The Obseiwer’s diplomatic correspondent says it is confidently expected that the invitation to the special Imperial Conference will be cabled from London to the Dominions this week-end.