H.B. TRIBUNE FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1932. THE OTTAWA CONFERENCE.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 91, 1 April 1932, Page 6

H.B. TRIBUNE FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1932. THE OTTAWA CONFERENCE.

The Imperial Economic Conference to be held in Canada’s political capital in July next finds mention in our cable messages today in two connections. In the first place we have it discussed in relation to the position of the Irish Free State should Mr. de Valera persist and succeed in carrying through proposals that will virtually cut his country adrift from that common allegiance to the Crown which constitutes one of the most important links in the chain binding together the self-governing countries of the Empire. The other message has reference to a suggestion from the Argentine Republic that it should be allowed representation at the Conference. This suggestion does not seem at all likely of adoption, but it provides a fair indication of the interest which outside nations are taking in the movement for bringing the various units of the Empire into closer and more effective combination for mutual advantage.

So far as Ireland is concerned matters have not yet developed to a stage where it is really worth while considering the possible consequences, and it is always to be hoped that better counsels will prevail. As to the Argentine some reference was made here two or three weeks back to the, importance of Great Britain’s trading connection with that country, in which, moreover, some 600 million of British capital is permanently invested without possibility of withdrawal. It was then pointed out how essential it was for the Motherland, while extending all possible favours to the daughter Dominions, to have at the same time due regard to the foreign trade upon which her home population still so greatly depends for its livelihood. These are aspects of the case that must always be kept in mind when the questions that are likely to come up at the Conference are being debated.

So far as concerns the relations of the Old Country and the Dominions it is necessary only to scan the files of the London press to realise the anxious efforts that are being put forth at Home in order to assure that its deliberations will be fully fruitful. It is made amply manifest that there all responsible sections of the community are bent on seeing

that every possible preparation that forethought can conceive should be made for discussion both at large and in detail. There can be little doubt therefore but that the British delegation, whose highly competent personnel has already been announced, will be ready to submit definite proposals. The question is as to whether those of the Dominions will be equally ready and equally competent to consider them and to advance their own suggestions. As to this it would seem from the news reaching us that both Canada and Australia have realised the grave importance of the occasion and have caught the spirit of enthusiasm that animates the Motherland. In our own little country there would appear to have been something of a lag, due no doubt in great part to the many domestic troubles that distract our Government. However, there are now indications that the Conference — destined, we may trust, in much greater measure than our own wrangling and disputatious efforts to help in restoring our prosperity —is at length commanding here the attention it so decidedly merits. It is now for all who are in any way qualified to lend all possible assistance towards due preparation. But, at the same time, it must be recognised that, as the Australian Governor-General, speaking for his Cabinet, said at the opening of the Federal Parliament, the subject is to be approached “not in the spirit of selfish bargaining, but with a determination to formulate policies that will prove to be of lasting benefit to the British people as a whole.”