Imperial – Economic Conference Begins

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6918, 23 July 1932, Page 7

Imperial - Economic Conference Begins

Impressive Scene in Canadian Chamber Co-operation Principle is Keynote of Royal Message

Selling Beneficial Forces in lotion CONFERENCE TO SUPPLY IMPETUS OTTAWA, July 21.

possibilities of the Conference aud eager to pool its information and suggestions, to seek to reverse the disastrous trends of prices, and to stimulate Empire trade. There might be a danger, lie said, of assuming that the possibility of a world conference would excuse inaction at Ottawa, but tho presence of Mr Neville Chamberlain enabled them to emphasise the urgency of action to raise price levels. Ireland Seeks Free Relationship

A distinguished gallery looked down on a memorable scene in the Canadian House of Commons, when the GovernorGeneral, Lord Bcssborougli, a tall civilian Jigure, entered the Chamber to open the Conference. The Australians wore placed oil the right of the Speaker’s chair below the Canadians. Mr Bruce had Mr H. S. Gullett (Federal Minister of Trade and Customs) on one side and -Mr Weir (a Canadian) on the other. The New Zealanders were placed on the loft, next to tho British delegations. Mr Coates sat next to Sir John Gilmour (British Minister of Agriculture), and Mr Bownie Stewart next to Mr Sean O’Kelly (Ireland), who was tho cynosure of all eyes on rising with the others when the Conference passed a resolution of loyalty to the Throne. Messrs Bruce and Coates attracted general interest by their fine bearing and immaculate attire.

Mr O’Kelly, for the Irish Free State, said they realised that a foremost part in finding a solution of tho world crisis could be taken at the Conference. No inter-Empire relationship, lie said, could be permanent unless established on a free basis, which loft neither party in a position of inferiority. They earnestly hoped for the success of the Conference .

Enxpire Currency Impracticable, Says South Africa The Hon. N. O. Havcnga, South African Minister of Finance, said South Africa was the only Dominion with a favourable trade balance with Britain. He considered an Empire currency based on a common unit of value was impracticable and said South Africa favoured the restoration of the gold standard.

There was no microphone near Mr Bruce when he ivsc to address the Conference. He waited a full minute with perfect composure un-til a microphone was brought. He spoke for twelve minutes and received an ovation on concluding. Mr O’Kelly spoke with a broad accent, for ffvc minutes, and was well received.

A Sound Beginning VIEW OF THE HOME PRESS. Received Friday, D.dO p.m. LONDON, July 22. Editorials arc unanimous that the Ottawa Conference opened auspiciously. Canada gets most of the limelight from the headlines and comment, no doubt because of Mr. .Bennett’s offer, which the pircss agree deserves the closest consideration.

The King’s message to the Conference was as follows: — “My thoughts and prayers arc with the delegates gathered to ex-

plore the means of promoting the prosperity of this great Empire. The Conference opens a new page of history, on which it will, within a few weeks, write a record of determined effort to solve the difficulties weighing so heavily upon us and upon the whole world. It is my hope that the Conference results will worthily reflect the frankness, tho sincerity and the spirit of helpfulness with which I am confident your deliberations will be conducted. The Conference is based on the principle of co-operation. It is yoi purpose to give the fullest possible effect to that principle in the economic sphere, thus setting in motion beneficial forces within the Empire, which may well extend their impulse throughout the world.

The speeches wero heard splendidly over the wireless, except Mr. O’Kelly’s, which was interrupted in Canada. The Daily Herald says that Air. Baldwin’s reference to lowering rather than raising barriers arc chill words for the Amcrys and Page-Crofts, but sound economics and sound sense. “Jt remains to bo seen how far tho conference will square his precepts with his practice.” The Express, on a front page streamer, says: “Canada makes a downright offer; Air. Bennett sots the pace for the conference at one stroke." The Times has a heading, “Good beginning," and says: “The speeches wero definite and business-like. They disclosed a measure of common agreement, sufficient to dispel any fear of failure." The editorial quotes extensively the utterances of Mr. Bruce and Mr. Coates.

“I pray that you will be given clear insight and strength to accomplish your task.’’

Welfare of Millions ASSEMBLY UNIQUE FOR THREE REASONS. SPEECHES BY GOVERNOR-GEN-ERAL AND PRIME MINISTER. OTTAWA, July 21. Lord Bessborough, in addressing the delegates to the Imperial Conference said: ‘‘You meet to-day as the chosen trustees of the Empire, knowing that your deliberations will materially affect the welfare of millions. Recent far-reaching events have left unchanged the spirit uniting the Empire and the common ideals which havo brought you to Ottawa. The Governor-General then departed, and Mr Bennett, the Canadian Prime Minister, took the chair, amid applause. He said: ‘‘We have gathered to determine a plan whereby our great Empire may continue its leadership among the nations. This Conference is unique—firstly, for the fuller representation of the Empire; secondly, because wc have never faced a greater need for unselfish, concerted action; and thirdly, because the prospects of achievement have never been more certain.” ‘‘The machinery of the world’s commerce is out of gear; international finance has broken down; recovery is beyond any single nation’s strength. We have a common purpose and a supreme desire to achieve it.”

New Zealand and Currency Problems POSSIBLE VISIT TO LONDON Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. Although no specific consideration has been given to tho question, there is an opinion in Government 'circles that it might be found advisable for tbc Minister of Finance and the Secretary of the Treasury (Mr. A. D. Park), who are at present at Ottawa, to visit London after the Imperial Economic Conference. It is stated in official quarters that any decision to send both Messrs Stewart and Park to London after the Conference will depend largely on what occurs at Ottawa. One of the most important aspects of Imperial affairs to uc discussed will relate to currency, but it is felt that no matter what advance might be made in the discussions on this question, it will be impossible for the delegates to leave tho Conference secure in tho knowledge that tho last word has been said and that lull agreement has been reached as far as the future of Empire financial relations are concerned. Even if Mr. Btowart is unable to bo absent long enough to permit him to go to England, it is possible tnat Mr. Park may be able to go.

More Purchasing Power

NEED STRESSED BY MR BALDWIN MR BRUCE SPEAKS OF INTERNATIONAL POTENTIALITIES. OTTAWA. July 21. Mr Baldwin, addressing the Conference, said: ‘‘We should approach tlic problems with a view to seeing how much each can contribute to the common stock without detriment to our own national interests. Increased purchasing power in any Dominion will show itself in increased Imperial trade. The prosperity of each will increase the prosperity of all. Mr Bruce said: “This is an allBritish conference, but the benefits will not be confined to Britishers. The eyes of the world are upon us In the hope and expectation tha.t our success hero will serve as an inspiration for action on an international basis, which is essential if full prosperity is to be recaptured. Failure is unthinkable.”

Disastrous Trend of Prices. The Rt. Hon. .T. G. Coates said there was never a more urgent call for co-operation than at present. After reviewing trade developments h> the Dominion for the past two years lie pointed out that internal action already taken for further economies could not restore prosperity; therefore New Zealand was deeply concerned with the

Grain Preferences Feared by America

ENGLAND LARGEST CUSTOMER FOR U.S. WHEAT Received Friday, 10.15 p.m. CHICAGO, July 2J. A belief that the Imperial Conference at Ottawa will adopt a jdan favouring the Dominions in the importation of wheat is held by the Grain Corporation. “Naturally this will bo a blow to the American producers as on an open basis England is the largest customer for United States wheat,” said a spokesman for tile corporation.

Sidelights at Conference FREE STATE ATTITUDE IN THE LIMELIGHT Received Friday, 7.45 p.m, OTTAWA, July 21. The city's business was stopped as silver-helmcted, rcd-tunicked llorSe Guards escorted Lord Bessborough to Parliament House. A salute of guns and the resounding carillon heralded his arrival after a solemn ceremony at tho Unknown Soldier’s grave. Lord Bessborough, Mr. Bennett and an, aide-dc-