THE EMPIRE COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17845, 28 July 1921, Page 7

THE EMPIRE COUNCIL.

NEAEING THE END.

PACIFIC AGAIN DISCUSSED.

EMERGENCY MEETINGS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received 10.5 p.m.' A. and N.Z. LONDON. July 26. Discussion on Pacific problems was continued at Downing Street this morning. Lord.Curzon, Mr. Balfour, Mr. Winston Churchill, Mr. E. S. Montagu, and Sir Maurice Hankey attending, in addition to the Dominion representatives. At six o'clock this evening another meeting was hurriedly called, although most of the delegates were booked for an official dinner at seven. The meeting ended at seven, all being apparently well-pleased, though no announcement was made. While the conference continued despatch boxes were delivered to the Cabinet rooms. It is understood that they contained official cable messages, -which have been exchanged continually east " and west, but the one most sought had not arrived, causing the deferment of a statement.

Apparently there is an impression in some quarters that it is proposed to hold a preliminary conference, then a conference on the Pacific question, and afterwards a discussion of disarmament. Tnnee conferences were never contemplated. The conference on disarmament is the only meeting approved so far. The purpose of the suggested gathering to discuss the Pacific question is to clear the way for the conference on disarmament, which cannot reach an effective result unless Far Eastern questions are settled beforehand.

It was stated unofficially to-day that fhe prospect of disarmament is regarded as hopeful, provided that the United States and Japan adjust their differences happily beforehand.

The Prime Ministers are preparing to depart. General Smuts has hooked for home on Friday, Sir Thomas Smartt accompanying him. Colonel Mentz contemplates a Scottish tour. General Smuts is prepared to cancel his departure should the Imperial authorities invite him to assist further in the Irish negotiations. Mr. Meighen leaves on August 4, when the business of the conference is expected to be completed. The naval policy, air service, and wireless schemes are still to be completed, although all require only finishing touches. The discussions on the Pacific question interrupted the continuity of the proceedings, but the committees are still keeping in touch on various questions. Again questioned whether there was a. possibility of going to Washington, mj. Hughes said : " Not the remotest. I must go home in accordance with my promise. It is impossible for me to go to Australia, and return to Washington. I might get there before the disarmament question was finalised, but the matter in which Australia is vitally interested would be well out of the way by then."