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Otago Daily Times, Issue 18293, 9 July 1921, Page 9

OFFICIAL CIRCLES HOPEFUL VIEWS EXCHANGED WITH AMERICA. CHINA’S STRONG OPPOSITION. LONDON, July 7. (Received July 8, at 9.5 p.m.) The interval between the general discussion and detailed argument on the Anglo-Japancse Treaty is being occupied by the experts in framing modifications to be submitted when the matter is resumed. It is stated on good authority that the military phases are being qualified without destroying their effectiveness. It is understood that views are being exchanged with America, indicating the nature of the proposals which there is reason to believe are likelv to be acceptable to Washington. If so, and Japan agrees, all the interested parties will be in accord, and Mr Meighen’s opposition will be withdrawn. It is too early to say whether the obstacle's are disappearing, but the opinion in official circles is distinctly hopeful that a satisfactory entente settlement will bo reached.

There is strong opposition by China’s representatives in London against the renewal of the Treaty. The case for China is being ably put before the delegates to the Conference, the claim being that China should bo represented with the other powers at a round table conference to discuss the whole situation.

Tit the House of Commons Mr Lloyd George stated that he hoped to make a statement on the Anglo-Japanese Alliance on Monday. A premature declaration would interfere with the success of the negotiations, which’were now proceeding.— A. and N.Z. Cable.

PACIFIC NAVAL DEFENCE,

INDIA’S ATTITUDE.

LONDON, July /. (Received July 8, at 11.45 p.m.) The Australian Press S&.ssociation learns that India is prepared to contribute to the naval defence of the Pacific Eastern waters provided certain concessions are made in regard to equal treatment and the status of Indians in the dominions. Both Mr Hughes and General Sgluts realise the importance of an amicable settlement on the latter question, and probably an agreement will be reached acceptable to all parties. It is understood that the T n<lians will hold commissions in ships commissioned at India’s expense.—A. and N.Z. Cable.

SEA COMMUNICATIONS. QUESTION OF DEVELOPMENT. MR MASSEY’S RESOLUTIONS. LONDON, July 7. Received July 9, at 0.50 a.m.) Mr Massey brought up the following resolutions at the Prime Ministers’ Conference :

(1) That in order to maintain satisfactory connections, and at the same time to encourage commercial and - industrial relations between the different countries of the Empire, this conference ir. of opinion that the shipping on the principal routes, especially between the heart of the Empire and the overseas dominions—including India, should be brought under review by an Inter-Imperial Board on which the United Kingdom, the dominions and dependencies should be represented. (2) That for this purpose an Imperial Investigation Board. representing the various parts of the Empire be appointed with power to inquire into and report upon all matters connected with ocean freights. Also to report on the shipping facilities and all matters connected with the development of sea communications between different parts of the Empire, with special reference to the sige and type of ships and the capacities of the harbours; the board to include in addition to representatives of the Governments concerned, persons with expert knowledge of the problems involved, including representatives of shipping and trading interests.

Mr Massey said that these matters were discussed in 1918, and there was every indication then that they won Id Oe considered as urgent, hut apparently nothing I’.ad been done. The report presented to the Conference was one of the most colourless documents ho had ever eeen. He intended to bring the matter un again.— A. and N.Z. Cable.

- EMIGRATION PROPOSALS. LONDON, July 7. (Received July 9, at 1.15 a.m.) The conference' to-day discussed the inner facts of the European situation, which is secret and confidential.

The Government tendered a reception to the Prime Ministers and their wives at Lancaster House. The Emigration Committee is reporting direct to the Prime Ministers in favour of the Imperial Government's emigration proposals.—A. and N.Z. Cable.