THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11736, 25 January 1924, Page 7

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

■I MIS3IV REPtIES TO CRITICISI

PRIME MINISTER JUSTIFIES HIS UTTERANGeS

"ONE KING AND ONE FLAG”

The Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey) made a statement at Auckland yesterday respecting his attitude and utterances when in England, “both at the Imperial Conference and in regard to the General Election. Mr Massey also remarked on the criticism, made respecting himself, in the Manchester "Guardian.” The Prime Minister considers that the fact that a new Government has taken office should not make any difference respecting the carrying Out of the deliberations arrived at by the Imperial Government, which will tend to cement the nations of the Empire. Should preference to overseas dominions not become an established fact, Mr Massey states that, although it will be a great disappointment, it will not in the slightest affect the lovaltv of New Zealand to Great Britain.

“My attention has been called,” said Y Massey, “to some recent criticisms viich have appeared in certain newsppers in the Dominion, apparently bsed upon a misapprehension regard ig what is assumed to be my definiion of the status of the Empire Coneronce. Prior to leaving New Zealand moved a resolution in Parliament, vhich was agreed to unanimously, to he effect that nothing done at any Imicrial Conference should be binding on iny self-governing dominion or come nto operation until ratified by its own Parliament. That should be enough or anyone without going further, but £ consider I am justified in putting myself right, and making the position dear. NO INTENTION OF DICTATING. ‘‘Speaking at Toronto, I dealt, inter alia, with this point, and the following is an extract from my remarks as reported in the ‘Globe,’ of December 23th; ‘He wished to state it absolutely that the Imperial Conference had no intention of dictating to any British nation in any respect, but confined itself to Empire matters, British nations to remain self-governing nations within the British Empire, under one King and one flag.’ Again in the course af an interview which I gave to the London ‘Times’ on the eve of my leaving the United Kingdom, I said whatever the developments of the next few weeks may bring in their wake it would be lamentable if anything were to cancel . the promises made to the dominions, and thus undo the work of the Conference. “A SLAP IN THE FACE.” “It would be a Blap in the face to British sentiment throughout the Empire, and the harm that itt would do would last for many a long day. Surely the promises offered at the Imperial Conference are promises made by the Mother Country to her dominions, j and not the promises of one party or of one Government. If this principle ] is not accepted I fear that it will seriously affect the dominion attitude I towards future Conferences. The last thing I want to do is to interfere in British domestic politics. My earnest wish, however, is to point out the possible effect of going back on the considered deliberations of the Empire in council. Even if a new Government were to come into power, surely its policy would be to honour the pledges made bv its predecessors to the sister nations "of the British Commonwealth? The ‘Times’ has rightly spoken of ♦he British tradition of continuity in foreign policy. Is there not an even greater duty to • ensure continuity in the policy adopted towards the nations of the Empire itself i If a new Government were to adopt the progress recommended by the Imperial Conference, it would naturallv have claim to the support of Mr Baldwin and his followers, who could not possiblv oppose their own proposals, lhe position would, therefore, appear to be as perfectly logical. FUNCTIONS OF THE CONFERENCE. “The principal functions of the Conference were to consider the best methods of developing _ the British countries oversea; to assist in arriving at a solution of the present difficulty in Europe, with the object of having fixed, finally and definitely, the amount of reparation to be paid by Germany; to assist in removing the industrial <lenression which Great Britain is at Pjj®* sent experiencing; to consider the defence of the Empire, and specially naval defence, and generally to strengthen the ties that keep together, within one Empire, the several British countries. CALAMITY IF WORK WAS SCRAPPED. ‘These were the problems which were uppermost in the minds of the overseas representatives, and I believe in the minds of the representatives of the Homeland as well. I think that the Conference accomplished something in the direction of each of these aims. In order to meet in London it was necessary for the leaders of the several dominions to travel thousands of nules, and to remain absent from their posts for many weeks. It would be a calamity if all or any of the work they helped to accomplish at the round table of the Empire were to be scrapped because of a change in the domestic politics of the country The recommendations adopted by the Imperial Conference will tend to strengthen the ties k ®?P the Empire intact, and this was the thought that inspired those who have advocated Imperial preference for years past. CERTAIN AMOUNT OF WILD TALK. “The present uncertainty as to the position shows the need for plot.. Imperial Conference, or whatever it mar be called, in the future on a more practical and businesslike rooting. Not for a moment do I wish to overstate the case. There has been a rertam amount of wilk talk as to what would happen if the premises were net kept. Wo in New Zealand are essentially a people who are British by bJ°od and by sentiment. If you in Britain no no, keep these promises, there will not be any suggestion so far as wo are con corned of ‘The end of the Empire, or of ‘Cutting the painter,’ nor will wo reek reciprocity with the United States or with anyone else. At the same time tve will be disappointed, lho mischievous element in otir midst tvi.l have a fresh handle for their agitations, and it is no l.se disguising the fart.” “MI SEE A DIN G CON ST K U (.T ION.” ‘‘Apparently,’ 1 .stated Mr .Massey, “objection has been taken in some quarters to the use of the expression ‘Empire ja council.’ A reference to

the ‘Times’ will show that the word council is spelt with a small c anJ docs not- refer to any formal body, legislative or even administrative. I used the void in its ordinary wnse remembering that the conference con eisted in the first place of the Prime Minister of Great Britain and tlie Prime Ministeis of all the sell’ governing dominions, a truly Empire body. It is quite true there were occasionally ether Ministers present, hut that does net affect the position. Had the writers of thei articles to which I have leferred waited until they had received copies of their English exchanges it would not have now been necessary to correct the misleading construction which has been placed upon my remarks. MANCHESTER “GTTARDIAN” CRITICISM. “While dealing with this question,” further stated the Prime Minister, “I think it "will be well if I quote fully my remarks in Canada regarding certain criticisms which appeared in the Manchester ‘Guardian.’ Speaking at Vancouver on January 4th, f said you will have noticed that 1 have been l found fauit with by the Manchester ‘Guardian’ for some of the things which I have said since coming to Canada. Let me say here that I have eeen very glad that the ‘Guardian’ has been taking notice, and it looks os if what I sai I had some effect. “MUCH PETTED SONS.” I do not expect party newspapers like the ‘Guardian’ to agree with me, but after a reference, in somewhat questionable taste, to the ‘much petted sons’ this extract is very extraordin ary when he goes straight from Eng land’s very cordial hospitality to tell another . dominion that we do not know how to manage our own affairs. He shows how extraordinarily, for it is possible for the spoilt child line of comment to go. That is to say because the British people have been hospitable to the members of the conference, including myself, we should approve of everything that has taken place, or say nothing. That is a doctrine I cannot endorse and to which very few British citizens will agree. I have more than once expressed my appreciation of the kindness and courtesy of the British people, and am ready to do so at any time. The ‘Guardian’ apparently forgets that what is taking place in /Britain is of the utmost importance to the oversea countries " of the Empire, as well as to Britain itself. Part of the business of the recent conferences was to assist in lifting the depression from which Britain is suffering. We know perfectly well that the oversea countries cannot be prosperous unless Britain is prosperous, and the representatives at the conference have been encouraging their countries to proceed with development, work, which would indirectly assist in providing employment for tile unemployed workshons of Britain, and for the million and a-quarter unemployed who are idle there now. FOREIGNER ON EQUAL FOOTING. The “Guardian” says Britain lets our goods in free, and that this is handsome treatment. Just so. They let our goods in free just as they let in the goods of foreign countries, goods from South America, United Statee, and the Continental nations. There was ho difference between the foreigner and the British citizen, but take my country, for instance. Wo give preference to British countries in our Customs tariff on 425 articles. I know that Canada has done a great deal for British preference, and 1 am glad to acknowledge it. ‘ IMPORTS AND EIXPORTS. New Zealand's exports during the last producing year amounted to £47,000,000, while her imports were £41,000,000. Seventy per cent, of the machinery imported into New Zealand last year came from Britain, 86 per cent, of metal manufactures, 76 per cent, of the apparel, 81 per cent, of the textiles, 99 per cent, of the fibres, 89 per oent. of the tobacco, and 66 per cent, of the jewellery. Of New Zealand’s total imports, 74 per cent, came from Britain. Ab a matter of fact, the whole of the dominions are developing and increasing in population, trade, and influence for the good, and I am vain enough to think that the future of the Empire rests at least as much with the overseas countries as with Britain itself. INTERESTED IN BRITISH ELECTIONS. Like many others not actually resident in Great Britain, I took a tremendous interest in the issues which were placed before the public at the general election, but in order to prevent any misunderstanding, let me say that I never favoured the cause of any partifeular candidate at the British elections. I never referred to any one of the contending political parties, but I did express regret. I would like to say this, in conclusion, that the churlish remarks such as have been indulged in by tbe “Manchester Guardian” do not promote the cause of Empire, nor tend to foster unity between its different .countries. That was my reply to the “Manchester Guardian,” said Mr Massey. NOT UNPATRIOTIC. “I think it will bo admitted that 1 have had some experience, and possess some knowledge of Imperial affairs. Whatever my sins and shortcomings, tnooording to rny journalistic critics may be, I do not think any of them will say that I am unpatriotic. Just let me conclude by saying, although it is scarcely necessary to do so, that I stand for the Empire every time, and ou that account 1 stand for Empire

preference, because I believe that it will unite the different countries of the Empire as nothing else will, and that without it the Empire will never have the prosperity which, with its potentialities, it ought to enjoy. LOYALTY CANNOT BE SHAKEN. “I believe, if the recommendations made by the Imperial Government are agreed to by the British Parliament, they will give people connected with fruit-growing, bee farming, fish canning, and other minor, but still important, industries much encouragement which they now feel the want of. But whether the British Parliament agrees to the recommendations or not, it will not make the slightest difference to the loyalty of New Zealand, and I believe the same may be said of the other dominions as well. “I have, however, confidence in the sense of fair play and justice on the part of the British Parliament to believe they will honour the recommendations of the Conference.”

ELECTIONS ALTERED OUTLOOK

CONFERENCE DECISIONS MAY GO BY THE BOARD. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, January 24. The Right Hon. W. F. Massey arrived to-day by the Makura, after a most enjoyable trip, and looking the picture of health. He said that, whatever the political conditions in Britain, it would be regrettable if anything were to cause the failure of the promises made to the dominions, and thus, in effect, undo the work of the Imperial Conference. The principal functions of the Conference were to consider the best methods of developing the British countries overseas; to assist in removing industrial depression in Great Britain; to consider the defence of the Empire, particularly naval defence; to assist in arriving at a solution of the difficulties in Europe, and, more particularly, to fix finally the amount of reparations to be paid by Germany; and, finally, to strengthen the ties that keep together all the British countries. “I am of opinion,” he said, “that the Conference accomplished something in the direction of each of these aims. The recommendations adopted will tend to strengthen the ties that keep the Empire intact. The present uncertainty as to the position shows the need for placing the Imperial Conference, or what it may be called- in future, on a more businesslike footing. Whatever the outcome may bo, there will be no question as to the loyalty of New Zealand.” Mr Massey said the fate of the decisions of the Imperial Conference depended on the Imperial Parliament l . The elections had altered the outlook considerably, and it was impossible to say wTiat was going to happen. Parliament had the power to altor or reject the recommendations. Asked for his opinion of the probabilities under the new Labour Government, Mr Massey said: “I am thinking of our own recommendations. Now, wc made certain recommendations, and these must be passed on, to consider what will be done about them. If they are repudiated, it will be- very foolish from the Empire point of view.’’ Concerning Singapore, he 6aid, “That matter rests entirely with the ,new Government. Work has been commenced, but tbe Government may turn it down.”

AT CIVIC RECEPTION

“GREAT IMPERIAL FAMILY.” Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, January 24. Addressing a great gathering at the civic reception in the Town Hall tonight, Mr Massey, who was received with cheers, said New Zealanders had every reason to congratulate themselves on being the most prosperous part of the Empire. Mr Massey said he wished to discuss chiefly the business of the Imperial Conference, and he bad no hesitation in stating if the Empire was to stand it was necessary that representatives of the various units should come together , ‘‘round the •table.” A virtue of these round table conferences could not be overemphasised in overcoming difficulties. Proceeding to the economic problems before the Conference, Mr Massey said he was a great believer in Empire preference, than which nothing could prove a stronger bond in keeping together the Imperial family. There was no proposal at tho Conference to give preference to meats, cheese, or butter, mit the resolution related to what might be called minor matters, and Mr Massey said he had not given up hope of final approval. He could not believe any Government would turn down the measure of preference proposed. Another thing was the contracts for the army ana navy. It had been decided that they should be let, if possible, within the Empire which could produce for itself all it wanted and should do so. He was sorry to have to admit that the heart of the Empire was in the midst of ’great difficulties which must be remedied. Any thing that interfered with Britain’s prosperity prejudiced dominions’ markets. A million and a quarter people were unemployed in Britain to-day, and the worst thing was the soul-destroying dole. Boys, since the war, had done no work, learnt no trade, and were living simply on the dole. Britain was also struggling under a huge load of debt, but all her liabilities had been honoured. Mr Massey hoped other nations would realise their responsibilities, and relieve Britain of what wae really their indebtedness. Mr Massey said when he left the Dominion, five months ago, the outlook was not very ’good. He had not felt justified in reducing the income tax below 5® lOd, but with the nine months’ revenue returns before liim he believed he could have made greater concessions, and that might come about next session. The Premier emphasised the necessity of teaching British history in British schools. Tho Empire, he said, must be envisaged as responsible for the welfare of four hundrod and fifty millions. If anything came to break the Empire what would happen?. Ho asked to all the#e people, in fact, to civilisation itself. Civilisation would he at an end. It was essential, therefore, for the Empire to stand together for its own sake and in the cause of world welfare. Discussing the European situation, Mr Massey said Germany had never shown any desire to comply with the Versailles' Treaty. She was possibly asked to pay too much, but had not done what she should. Turning to France, he could not justify the edduption in the Ruhr. That was far too serious a step. But ho sympathised with France owing to her great material and human sacrifices. Germany should still pay, and ho hoped that tlic Commission recently created would bo successful in reaching an agreement as to Geraniny’j* ability to pay. No Imperial Conference could neglect defence questions. After the war all military forces had been greatly reduced, but tho .Conference had decided that the Empire, whatever happened, wa.s going to uphold its prestigo by maintenance) of seapowor.