EMPIRE PROBLEMS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18294, 11 July 1921, Page 5

EMPIRE PROBLEMS

ANGLO- JAPANESE ALLIANCE CANADIAN OPPOSITION TELLS. PRIME MINISTER TO MAKE A STATEMENT. Prces Association —By Telegraph Copyright. LONDON, July 8. (Received July 10, at 5.5 p.m.) In the House of Commons Mr Lloyd George explained that his proposed Parliamentary statement in reference to the Aimlb-Japanese Alliance depends upon-the receipt of replies from the United States, Japan, and China. • , The Daily. Chronicle states that the conference favours Anglo-Japanese friendship being harmonised with free development in China, in close co-operation *ith the United States. Th& Nation says: Not for the first time in recent years the inert, poorly-.cd democracy of this country has reason to be grateful to the dominions—or some of them. They have imposed a check on the Government’s intention to renew the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. Before the stubborn resistance of Canada and the powerful influence of South Africa the Prime Minister has been driven to accept delay as a middle course. Canada made it clear that she . would contract herself out of the treaty if it were renewed. The risk of driving Canada into independence should deter us trom renewing the treaty.—A. and N.Z. Cable.

INDIAN AFFAIRS DlSCl’"''’-D EQUALITY OF CITIZENSHIP. LONDON, July 8. (Received July 10, at 5.5 P.m.) The morning session of the ..ouierence was occupied with Indian affairs. Mr Cutch Sastri stated the case for equality of citizenship within the Empire. He admitted the right of the dominions to restrict immigration, but opposed invidious discrimination between Indians and other British subjects. He expressed satisfaction with the first instalment of Indian self-government, and Hoped it would develop into a full dominion government.

Mr A. J. Balfour followed with an exposition ofi the League of Nations, which had already proved of incalculable advantage to the participating nations. The league was destined to become the greatest instrument of peace in the world.—A. and N.Z. Cable.

THE NEW HEBRIDES. MR HUGHES TO CONSULT FRANCE. LEAGUE OF NATIONS CRITICISED. LONDON, July 8. i (Received July 10, at 5.5 p.m.) The Imperial Conference this morning was attended bv officers of the Colonial Office, Messrs Hughes and Massey, and also representatives of the Foreign Office, to discuss the Now Hebrides and the failure of the Condominium.

Mr Hughes pqt forward a proposal for consideration by tho British Government, and Mr Churchill promised to bring the idea before Cabinet with a view to future discussion. It was agreed that* Mr Hughes, who is visiting Franco, should take up the question with the French Government, after conferring again with the Colonial and Foreign Offices. It is understood that his suggestion is on the lines already cabled by Mr Fisher. The British delegates to the League of Nations Council also attended the Imperial Conference to-day and explained the position as to the league’s progress and outlook. A short discussion followed, all the Prime Ministers participating. The tone of some of the speeches was almost hostile, the opinion being expressed that unless there were signs of improvement the league was a useless extravagance. Later Mr Sastri made a statement on behalf of the Government of India. —A. and N.Z. Cable. INDIA’S CLAIMS. COMMITTEE TO REPORT, The Premiers’ Conference was not unanimous regarding the League of Nations. Mr Balfour and General Smuts are enthusiastic, Mr Meighen optimistic, Mr Hughes pessimistic, and Mr Massey mildly sympathetic towards Mr Sastri’s demand on behalf of Indians for equality of citizenship within the Empire, including the dominions and colonies. That matter was referred to a committee, representing Parliament, the Colonial Office, and the India Office, to report to the conference.—A. and N.Z. Cable.