Empire Wireless

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIII, Issue 284, 16 November 1923, Page 5

Empire Wireless

Britain’s Difficulties DEADLOCK WITH MARCONI COMPANY. A MONOPOLY REFUSED. By Uubie.—Press Auttouiatiou.—Copyright.) London, Nov. 14. In commenting on the speech uelivered by iur. Bruce at the Economic Coniere.nee on wireless communications, Mr. Innes, on, behalf of India, said that.while agreeing that Britain’s wireless policy was entirely a matter for the British Government, he hoped when India's high power station was erected it would not bo held up by lack of adequate reciprocating arrangements in Britain. Sir L. Worthington-Evans declared that the British nation would be operating by the end of 1924. He dwelt on the difficulties of reaching an agreement with the Marconi Company. Either they had to yield to the pressure from Marconis, which was tantamount to granting them a monopoly, or to resist it. • Sir L. Worthington-Evans said Marconis had not yet refused his offer to erect a Government station to communicate with South Africa and Canada and permit them to erect two stations for communication elsewhere in the Empire, “but they have been putting pressure by propaganda upon all of you.” Mr. Bruce interrupted, declaring that the Marconi Company had never tried to influence him. Sir L* Worthington-Evans said: The real point is, are we prepared to give the Marconi Company a virtual monopoly? Mr. Massey: That can only be answered in the negative. Sir L. Worthington-Evans continued that he was confident Marconis would recognise the fairness of the Government’s offer and that a monopoly was out of the question, otherwise the British Government, must consider the erection of further stations. He preferred to see the Government and the private firm co-operating. The resolution previously cabled was adopted on the motion of Mr. Bruce.— (Reuter).