THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 27 June 1911, Page 5

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

SOUTH AFRICAN OriNION, CAPETOWN. luondav. The ".Johannesburg Star"' slates that tho practical outcome of the Imperial Conference!, though disappointing in some rcspectw, is. more- tangible than was expected a fortnight ago. It remains for the statesmen- of the* Empire to ensure that there shall be no .reversion to the old policy of drift and apathy in Imperial affairs, and that the representatives shall abide by t-h-e tennis of the pledges given, in order that the overseas delegates attending H lO next Conference may be enabled to devote most of their attention to concrete measures instead of discussion of principles. The "Cap-e Times" says that while appreciating- the importance of confidential discussion cf foreign policy, lit discovers not a sign of an advance, but rather of retrogression in regard to closer political and 1 commercial iiinion of tbe Empire. It concludes that the Conference is being stifled' in deference to the fears of politicians \vh<f wore afraid to open the windows to Imperial air lest domestic party interests should suffer. The "Cape Argus" hopes tho naval review will lead Mr Botha to realise South Africa's absolute dependence upon Sritain's maintenance of sea supremacy, and therefore revert to Mr Hoffmeyer's .policy of 1887.