EMPIRE AND AMERICA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17794, 30 May 1921, Page 7

EMPIRE AND AMERICA.

AN UNDERSTANDING URGED. A. and N.Z. LONDON. M&7 27. The luncheon tendered by the Australian and New Zealand Club to Mr. Massey was held at the Hotel Cecil. Mr. Massey, replying to the toast of his health, said that he was glad to see Australia and New Zealand associated. " Their interests ate identical," he said. "If the occasion ever arises for it to be necessary to defend ourselves, we will stand or fall together. I do not think we will fall."

He hoped the relationship of the League of Nations and the Empire would be dealt with at the Imperial Conference. If he had to choose between the League of Nations and the British Commonwealth of Nations, he would choose the British every time.

Personally, he still hoped that Britain and the United States would combine to keep the peace of the world, and prevent war. The best minds of both nations favoured mutual understanding in this way, and he welcomed the resolution of the United States Senate regarding a conference to discuss a naval holiday. Although there were difficulties in the way a solution was possible, but it must recognise the fact that the Empire's very existence depended on the maintenance of sea communications.

• He reiterated the opinion that the Imperial Conference ought to be held in the Dominions as well as in London, to give statesmen of the United Kingdom a better first-hand knowledge of the Dominions and their aspirations.