IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17078, 29 January 1916, Page 9

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

NOT DESIRED BY BRITISH GOVERNMENT. "Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services. (Received January 2'B, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, January 27. It is understood that difficulties of administration are preventing Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward from coming to London, otherwise Sir R. L. Borden, Prime Minister of Canada, would be summoned to an informal conference. General Botha is unwilling to leave South Africa at present. A section of the House of Commons is questioning Mr Bonar Law, urging that a conference should be held, but the Government does not desire to add to the present complications unless at the dominions' request.

By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. LONDON, January 27. Mr Bonar Law, in the House of Commons, said he did not think the Imperial Conference could usefully be held at present, but that a discussion would shortly occur with Mr Hughes. POSTPONED TO MORE SUITABLE OPPORTUNITY. MR MASSEY'S STATEMENT. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, January 28. "The proposed visit of the Minister of Finance and myself to Britain is only postponed to a more suitable opportunity," said Mr Massey to-night. " There is no particular difficulty with regard tothe administration. It is not intended to hold anything in the nature of an Imperial Conference at present, but the Imperial Government expressed its willingness to confer with representatives of the dominions on matters immediately connected with the war, the different governments, Imperial and dominion, are keeping in touch on all the more important questions at issue, but as soon as we can see out way clear, Sir Joseph Ward and myself will definitely accept the invitation and pay our promised visit to London."