THE HARDING CONFERENCE

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLI, Issue XLI, 1 August 1921, Page 5

THE HARDING CONFERENCE

EXPERTS PUZZLED

NEW PHASES DAILY

BY CABLE—PBESS ASSOCIATION— COPYB.IGHT

LONDON. July 29. The prospects for the Pacific Conference are still puzzling experts and politicians, and the most perplexed are the Prime Ministers. New phases present themselves daily, adding complexity. Though secrets are well kept, judging from the demeanours of the Dominion! delegates and other signs it is safe to say at present that the position is that' only one representative of the British' Empire is likely to sit at the confer-J ence table, but the circumstances are kaleidoscoping so rapidly that the outlook may change next week, when finality is expected. One of the Prime Ministers to-day said: "I am lost in confusion; I really don't know where I am.') Meanwhile Mr. A. Meighan has departed, and" General Smuts will be off in a few days Mr. W. M. Hughes, has inquired whether it would be possible to book by the Niagara if it is necessary to return through America.

. TOKIO. July 29. Some opinion favours the Pacific Conference being held in London instead of Washington, or alternatively that a Pacific Conference be held in London and a disarmament conference_at Wash ington. M. Hara (the Premier) will attend if Mr.- Lloyd George does.