IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15807, 2 January 1915, Page 7

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

THE TIMES' PROPOSAL.

APPROVED BY MR. FISHER.

EXCHANGE OF VIEWS WANTED.

The suggestion made by the London Times, and published in yesterday's Hebald, that the Imperial Conference should meet this year, was commended by the Right Hon. Andrew Fisher, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, during the course of an interview yesterday. " I think the London Times is right in the attitude it takes up, and in the opinion it has so clearly expressed," said Mr. Fisher. " Many of our difficulties have arisen from the want of opportunities for the meeting of representatives of the Dominions and the Mother Country. Canada stands in a different position to most of the other Dominions since she is in such close proximity to the Mother "Country, and can easily communicate with the Government there at any time on any matter in which difficulty arises. That is not possible in this portion of the world, and the gravest issues can only be dealt with by cable or by despatches, which arrive not before a month has elapsed.

"In my opinion a conference during this year would be of more value to all. parties concerned than any that has yet been held. It would afford to the world evidence of a fact—too little known all parts of the British Empire, even whilst at war, can-meet together and discuss a critical situation in as calm and deliberate a manner as if it were not engaged in any great war at all.

"I have .not changed my views as to the necessity of one or more of His Majesty's Ministers in Great Britain paying an official visit to his most distant Dominions. I hope that phase of the matter will not be lost sight of even at this critical juncture if the holding of a conference be not possible.

" I am in favour of Imperial Conferences being held every two years, because I think our strength lies in getting into the closest possible touch with each other, i.e., in personal consultations and deliberations. By these means the ties of unity will be strengthened to a greater extent than by any other method I can suggest."