THE PACIFIC QUESTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17889, 17 September 1921, Page 7

THE PACIFIC QUESTION.

D63WiO]ffS AT CONFEEMCE

AUSTRALIA AGITATED.

REPRESENTATION DEBATED. By Teleierapb—Press Association—Copyright. (Received A. and N.Z. MELBOURNE, Sept.' 16. Politicians and the press are agitated over the question of the Washington Conference. There is a strongly-voiced opinion that the interests of Australia' and New Zealand in the Pacific are most important and that their views should be expressed at the conference.

Opinion is divided, however, on the matter of representation. It is urged on one hand that the representative of a Dominion, especially the Prime Minister, should not be subordinate to an Imperial Minister, or should have any les 8 status than another delegate, but that he should hold rank and exercise the authority of a full member of the conference. On the other hand, it is claimed that Australian and New Zealand interests are safe in the hands of representatives of tine Imperial Go\ernment, and that there is no need to send anybody from Australia. Strong opposition is also expressed to Mr. Hughes again leaving the Commonwealth for a long period after hiii recent protracted absence in London, thereby delaying further urgent domestic affairs. Whether Mr. Hughes has any tentative plan or understanding with Mr. Lloyd George, -which would enable him to be included in the conference as an Imperial delegate, is not known. The whole matter of the conference remains in abeyance till his return. Lord Northcliffe, speaking at a reception given by the Journalists' Association, said it was essential that publicity should be given to the proceedings of the Washington Conference. He hoped that Australian and New Zealand newspapers would be able to obtain the information neces» sary to follow proceedings so momentous to Australia and New Zealand. If he were an Australian or New Zealander, he would be a little uncertain of the future, for he was sure that unless the conference was an absolute success, this might not be the land of freedom and plenty that it was to-day.