CONTROL IN THE PACIFIC

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13486, 13 May 1907, Page 5

CONTROL IN THE PACIFIC

DISCUSSION AT THE CONFERENCE.

SIR JOSEPH WARD'S VIEWS.

By Telegraph.—Press Association-—Copyright.

London, May 10. At the Conference to-day Mr. Deakin moved his resolutions referring to the islands of the Pacific, and sketched the history of the subject for 25 years. He denied that Australia was greedily grasping after territory. and said that. Australia had steadily resisted the loss of islands, some of which had been actually included in the , British dominions. Australia from the first had urged that the islands should be brought definitely under British jurisdiction, but the Colonial Office's remote and unsympathetic attitude had allowed numbers to slip through their fingers. Mr. Deakin then traced step by step the proceedings leading to the New Hebrides Convention, and referred to Mr. Churchill's utterly misleading l'eply in the House of Commons. He analysed the Colonial Office's policy in affirming the Convention behind the backs of Australia and New Zealand without their being either, represented or consulted. Mr. Deakin referred to the effect which the completion of the Panama Canal would have upon the future of the Pacific. '

Sir Joseph Ward concurred in the resolutions, and reviewed the circumstances attending the loss of Samoa, declaring that America and Germany would not have occupied their present position had New Zealand's advice been taken. He explained that New Zealand now controlled a considerable number of Pacific islands. He was keenly alive to the importance of the British Government's taking a warmer interest in the protection of British interests in the Pacific, which was becoming a much, busier ocean than was previously expected. The development of trade between Canada and Australasia was increasing yearly, and the completion of the Panama Canal would alter the whole face .of the Pacific. Sir Joseph Ward further insisted on Australia's and New Zealand's right to be consulted before the conclusion of conventions relating to the Pacific, because they alone were aware of the special conditions and circumstances importantly affecting these questions.

The resolution was recorded after the Colonial Secretary (Lord Elgin} had expressed his regret over the New Hebrides misunderstandings, and had said he hoped that nothing of the sort would occur in the future.

The Conference then adjourned till Tuesday, when the proceedings will possibly be brought to a close.