Empire Wireless

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIII, Issue 283, 15 November 1923, Page 5

Empire Wireless

Extension and Control A GREAT IMPERIAL TIE. MR. BRUCE’S CASE. 'By Cablo.—Presß Association.—Copyright.] (Received 15, noon.) London, Nov. 14. In a speech delivered at the Economic Conference on November 9th in connection with wireless communications, Mr. Bruce said ho did not share the view of Canada and South Africa that wireless and the operation of stations to be established in Britain wore questions for the British Government alone. He maintained that it was a great Imperial question. Effective communication was vital to the Empire. Rapidity of communication was. perhaps the most serious consideration. Failing that, many things they were attempting to do at the Conference in the matter of trade would inevitably not be realisable. If a greatly increased service of news could be provided much would be done in the direction of getting greater unity of thought in the Empire. Furthermore, efficient and cheap wireless would promote migration hy enabling migrants to maintain contact with old associations. Cables were a serious drawback from the defence viewpoint owing to the fact that they could be cut. The problem of closer Imperial consultations on foreign policy was only soluble by improvement in communications. Other nations were sending far more news abroad than Britain ; hence the problem did not brook delay.

Another serious factor which was increasing the difficulty of the Empire obtaining the nosition it ought to hold, he continued, was the wave lengths already reserved, and more would ho reserved with the constant erectidYi of new stations. . The present position was most alarming and there was only one possible sound and sane way of meeting it. Since the British Government had decided to build a station then Australia was entitled to say that licenses should he issued for the erection of other stations in Britain. These should be operated under a pooling arrangement. It was imperative that the whole case should have the fullest publicity. If it were impossible to thus ascertain the facts an impartial authority must be appointed to investigate the whole situation. When it issued its finding no Government or outside people would he able to resist the pressure, of the people of Britain and the dominions to prevent wireless in future being held up because of a querrel which apparently was at present extraordinarily intense. Mr. Massev said it was impossible for New Zealand to do anything of much, value pending definite action bv Britain. He asked when the British Post Office was going to make un its mind. Mr. Massev said he unhesitatingly favoured Empire against private control, and that it was his opinion that wireless would bo eventually cheaper and more efficient than the cables. He urged the authorities in Britain to bestir themselves. Sir William Mclntosh said that South Africa, having entered into a contract, did not consider it had status to interfere in anything Britain might wish to do.—(Reuter.)