WIRELESS CONTROL

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11653, 18 October 1923, Page 6

WIRELESS CONTROL

BRITAIN FAR BEHIND FOREIGNERS DIRECT ALL INTERNATIONAL SERVICES. HUMILIATING POSITION. By Telegraph. —Press Assn —Copyright. Australian and Cabl© Association(Received October 17, 7.40 p.m.) LONDON, October 16. The Empire Eress Union resolved' to send a deputation to the Imperial Conference in rclereuee to wireless. Mr Robert Donald, presiding, stated that the deadlock between tho Post Office and the .Marconi Company had resulted in America, France, and Holland practically controlling international wireless. Britain was now clean out —even Russia and Czeeho-Slovakia were in advance of her. Lord Burnham said Britain’s position in reference to wireless was deplorable. The United States monopolised the China services, and Continental nations monopolised those of other countries, notably the - Far East. The British Post Office would neither allow private enterprise to proceed nor do the work themselves. The only remaining hope was to enlist the cooperation ot the dominion Premiers and force tho hands of the British Government. It was understood the cause of the deadlock was that the Post Office insisted on sole control, while denying the Marconi Company any participation, although it was financially liable. It was quite legitimate for the Government to reserve the right of control aifd resumption, but that was not incompatible with private enterprise. Mr J. 0. Fairfax, of the Sydney “Morning Herald,” said Australia had solved the problem by an amicable arrangement between the Commonwealth and the Amalgamated Wireless- Company. If it was practicable in Australia. surely it was practicable in Britain. During his travels he had been ashamed at the humiliating position of Britishers, who had to receive tlie world’s news through foreign wireless.