Empire Unity Firmly Cemented

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3489, 27 October 1926, Page 7

Empire Unity Firmly Cemented

Notable Debate on Foreign Relations

CONSULTATIONS TO BE

CLOSER AND SPEEDIER

LOCARNO’S SUPREME IMPOHT-

ANCE.

[By Electric Cable —Copyright.] [Aust. and N.Z. D-blo Association.]

(Received Tuesday, 9,45 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 25.

From to-day’s discussions at the Imperial Conference on foreign relations, the lact emerges that to all intents and purposes any idea of independence has been abandoned.

No attempt will be made rigidly to define the Dominions’ obligations or exemptions, but at most a way will bo sought for closer and speedier consultation in order to ensure Unit unity of front shall he maintained.

It is understood Sir Austen Chamberlain on Wednesday emphasised the inevitability of Locarno as the coping stone of ecnt'jurics of British diplomacy based on the policy that there should not be any dominating power in Europe.

It pointed out that even though under the Locarno Pact, the Dominions were not committed to come to Britain’s aid they probably would in the event of a serious situation arising. Britain on her part would certain intercede on behalf of any threatened Dominion and act for its support if mediation failed.

It is understood that Sir Austen Chamberlain in this connection specially mentioned Australia's paramount interest in the Pacific.

It is gathered -that Mr. MacKenzie King this morning largely simplified the debate by a straight-out declaration of satisfaction with the existing order of things. Messrs. Bruce and Coates following in that order were able to solidify the block of opinion against any recasting of Imperial relations.

Mr. Monroe (Newfoundland) ranged himself behind Mr. Mackenzie King and India naturally was for following the leadership of the Crown. There was nothing disconcerting in the Irish Free State viewpoint mentioned by Mr. O’Higgins, so General Hcrtzpg found himself manoeuvred into what would have been a position of isolation but for his interview published by the Amterdam. Tolegraaf that ho did not dream of asking anything else but “within the Empire.”

There is good reason for believing that General Hertzog came thinking economic issues would dominate theConference, therefore he determined lo raise the political aspect, but Sir Austen Chamberlain’s and Mr. Amery’s respective speeches last week so closely interwove Empire trade Interests with an Empire concert in the field of international affairs as to awaken keener appreciation of the protection of Empire trade routes.

It is understood Sir. MacKenzie King in this connection alluded to Canada’s growing trade with both the Far East and Europe, and in almost stronger degree, because of the greater distance, was this consideration brought home in the case of South Africa’s widening circle of markets for raw products.

This economic angle of Empire interest coupled with General Hcrtzog’s declaration of “South Africa within the Empire” set the minds of the Conference on improving the existing methods of consultation.

The idea of remitting the problem to a special committee for more informal and intimate discussion arose in a peculiar way. Mr. Bruce alone spoke extempore. The others came with written speeches. 'The remark was made that finality could not be expected in such circumstances. One main raised points to which others would like to reply, but the system of sot speeches precluded the elastic discussion necessary to expedite an agreement. It is understood that it was Mr. Bruce who suggested the idea of a committee of Prime Ministers with Mr. Balfour as chairman to concern itself primarly with finding a better system of consultation. There is an air of confidence tonight that Empire unity will emerge from the Conference stronger than ever, with a far better organisation for the exchange of views on matters raised by Downing Street. It is understood also that none of the other Dominion representatives approached Mr. Bruce in his intimate knowledge of foreign problems. Though none of them were prepared to court Australia’s example of having a liaison officer at the Foreign Office, it is hoped oven this will not be necessary under the order of things. In fact ,it will not bo surprising if Mr. Bruce announces the early termination of the arrangements. Canada’s “Ambassadors.” There appears to be an understanding that the Conference will not discuss Canada’s decision of appointing Mr. Massey Ambassador at Washington to which Mr. Bruce was originally opposed. It is learned that Canada’s plan was first conceived with the full support of the Foreign Office, when Sir Eyre Crowe was Under-Sec-retary. It understood that Mr. Massey will occupy offices apart from, the

British Embassy and will not engage in the broader phases of diplomacy. Hush Methods Impossible.

It is learned that the decision to treat the Foreign Affairs debate as most confidential caused some surprises iu Dominion circles where it is pointed out that whether the Imperial Government docs or does not continue the policy of silence so far as they are concerned, they must eventually Inform their own Parliaments of the chief facts of the foreign relations which Sir Austen Chamberlain fre-, vealed.

The general atmosphere to-day is stated to have been most cordial, the Dominion representatives devoting themselves mostly to expressing gratification at the striking improvement in the European outlook as compared with 1923. Though the general discussion on foreign affairs is concluded there will perhaps be a special session or sessions exclusively for the purpose of bettor informing the Dominions on the Locarno Pact, after which they will bo in a better position to consider their altitude thereto. Pacific Cable Settlement. The terms of the settlement of the Pacific cable dispute, it is understood, provide for the reconstruction of the Board, a more satisfactory system of electing the chairman, and a sounder method of allocation of profits. The last-mentioned, it is understood, is to meet Canada’s objection to the utilisation of reserves for new works. Mr. Amery will issue an official statement outlining the terms of the settlement The conference to-morrow will consider Imperial defence in connection with which a statement will bo issued in the evening. South Africa And Ireland. "Wc have been confronted by a great problem in South Africa,” said Lord Birkenhead at a dinner at the Irish Club at which Sir Francis Bell, Sir Thomas McKenzie. Sir James Connolly and other Dominion representatives were present. “We had the advantage of finding ourselves face to face with two remarkable men, Botha and Smuts, two great South Africans who nevertheless took the view that the proper course was to bury the dead past. I do not for the moment bc-liove South Africa distinguished representative, General Hertzog differs in essentials from the views of those either in South Africa or here who have attempted to recompose the elements of bittor difference. I do not see in the formula which General Hcrtzog uses any suggestion of difference which could not be composed within the limits of that freedom which is the very moaning and essence of the Imperial relation.” Lord Birkenhead proceeded with reference to Ireland in somewhat similar terms. He recalled that the late Mr. Michael Collins (leader of the Free Stale party) once said; “You cannot treat us like Australia or Canada. Wo do not care how great your daughter nations are; wo arc not a daughter, we arc a parent nation.” Lord Birkenhead concluded with the statement: “The past should bo forgotten.” PRESS COMMENT. (Received Tuesday, 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 26. The “Morning Post” emphasises the Dominion’s right to be consulted regarding foreign affairs, but adds: "The Foreign Minister, like the officer on the bridge, must face sudden emergencies. Consultation and agreement must therefore be on general lines of policy with a good deal loft to the executive head. As for contracting in or out of liabilities under the Locarno Pact, it is constitutionally Impossible for all they may say.”