FOREIGN RELATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19469, 27 October 1926, Page 13

FOREIGN RELATIONS.

CONFERENCE DISCUSSION. OBLIGATIONS OF DOMINIONS independence abandoned POLICY OF UNITED FRONT. NO EMBARRASSING ISSUES. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. (Received 10.45 p.m.) % and N.Z. LONDON. Oct. 25. The Imperial Conference to-day discussed foroign relations. The fact emerges from the debate that to all intents and purposes any idea of independence was abandoned. No attempt will be made rigidly to define the obligations and exemptions of the Dominions, but at the most a way will be sought for closer and more speedy consultation in order to ensure that unity of front shall bo maintained. It is even hinted that the Dominion delegates will not raise embarrassing issues in connection with the Treaty of Locarno. Sir Austen Chamberlain, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, is said to have emphasised the inevitability of Locarno as the coping-stone of centuries of British diplomacy, based on the policy that there should not be any dominating Power in Europe. Imperial Eolations Satisfactory. It was pointed out that even though, under the Treaty of Locarno, the Dominions were not committed to come to the aid of Britain, they would probably «Tb so in tho event of a serious situation arising. Britain, for her part, would certainly intercede on behalf of any threatened Dominion and would act in its support if mediation failed. It is understood that Sir Austell Chamberlain, in this connection, specially mentioned Australia's paramount interests ; n Trie Pacific. It is gathered that Mr. W. J... Mackenzie King (Canada) this morning largely simplified the debate by a straight- out declaration of satisfaction with the existing order of things. Messrs. S. M, Bruce (Australia) and J. G. Coates (New Zealand), following in that order, were able to solidify the block of opinion against any recasting of Imperial relations. Mr. W. S. Monroe (Newfoundland) ranged himself behind Mr. King, and India, naturally, was for following the 'leadership of the Crown. Hertzog Almost Isolated. Nothing disconcerting from the point of view of tho Irish Free State was mentioned by Mr. K. O'Higgins. Therefore General' Hertzog (South Africa) found himself manoeuvred iuto what would have teen a position of isolation but for the statement in his interview published in the Amsterdam paper, De Tolegraaf, to the effect that South Africa had not dreamed of asking anything else but ."status within tho Empire," There is good reason to believe that General Hertzog came to the conference thinking that economic issues would dominate the proceedings, and therefore he is determined to raise the political aspect. However, tho respective speeches made last week by Sir Austen Chamberlain and Mr. L. S. Amery so closely interwove Empire trade interests with Empire concert in the field of international affairs as to awaken a keener appreciation of tho importance of Empire trad© routes. Methods ol Consultation. It is understood that Mr. King, in this regard, alluded to Canada's growing trade both with tho Far East and with Europe. In an almost stronger degree, because of tho greater distance, was this consideration brought home in the case of South Africa's widening circle of markets for her raw products. This economic angle of Empire interest, coupled with General Hertzog's phrase " within the Empire" set tho minds of the delegates to the conference upon tho task of improving methods of consultation. The ide* of remitting the problem to a special committee for a more informal and a more intimate discussion arose in a peculiar way. Mr. Bruce alone spoke extempore. The other delegates came with written speeches. The remark was made that finality could not be expected under such circumstances. One delegate raised points to which others would have liked to reply, but the system of set speeches precluded an elastic discussion such as was necessary to expedite ' an agreement. Hopes of Eetter Empire Unity. It is understood that it was Mr. Bruce who suggested the idea of setting up a committee of Prime Ministers, with the j Earl of Balfour as chairman, to concern itself primarily with finding a better system of consultation. There is an air of confidence this evening that Empire unity will emerge from the conference stronger than ever and with a far better organisation for the exchange of views on matters raised by Downing Street. It is understood that none of the other Dominion Prime Ministers approached Mr. Brace's intimate knowledge of foreign problems. Although none of them are prepared to copy Australia's example of having a liaison officer at the Foroign Office it is hoped that even this will not be necessary under the new order of things. In fact it will not be surprising if Mr. Bruce announces at an early date the . termination of that arrangement. Canada and United States. s There appears to be an understanding ; that the conference will not discuss Canada's decision to appoint Mr. Vincent Massey as Canadian Ambassador to Washington, to which Mr. Bruce was originally opposed. ' It is learned that Canada's plan was first conceived with the full support of tho For- ' eign Office when Sir Eyre-Crowe was Per- '< pianent Under-Secretary. ' It is understood Mr. Massey will occupy * offices apart from the British Embassy and will not engage in the broader phases of < diplomat i

The decision to treat the foreign affairs debate as completely confidential caused some surprise in Dominion circles where it is pointed out that whether or no the British Government continues its policy of silence so far as they are concerned, they feel they must eventually inform their own Parliaments as to the chief facts in concoction with foreign relations. Sir Austen Chamberlain revealed the general atmosphere to-day, which he stated was most cordial. The Dominion delegates devoted themselves mostly to expressing their gratification at the striking improvement in the European outlook, compared with 1923. Although the general discussion on foreign affairs has concluded, there will perhaps bo a special session or sessions exclusively for the purpose of informing the Dominions further as to the Locarno Pact. After that they will he in a better position to consider their attitude toward the treaty.