IMPERIAL WAR CONFERENCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3278, 10 January 1917, Page 25

IMPERIAL WAR CONFERENCE.

(By Cable.) Pending Australia's decision, it is impossible to fix a date for the War Conten nee. There is still a doubt as to whether South Africa will be able lo send a delegate. it is understood that other self-governing colonies have responded favourably, and it is believed that the conference will meet even it Australia and South Africa are not represented. A distinguished statesman says: "The British Government has no secrets from the Prime Ministers of the dominions. Whilst they are in London they have the opportunity of exercising great influence on our war policy, even if they choose the establishing of permanent representation. It is for tho dominions to say what share they wish in the governance of the Empire." It is announced that Mr W. 11. Long (Colonial Secretary) will attend the War Council when the dominions' Premiers arrive. The Indian National Congress has urged tlio King-Emperor to proclaim it to be the aim and intention of the British policy to confer self-government upon India at an early dale. The suggestion'that India should be represented at the Imperial Conference has delighted nil classes. The Times of India suggests that .in Indian official should be included, possibly Sir Satvcndra Sinha, the first native member of tho Viceroy's Executive Council. Tho German paper the Kolnische Volks Zeitung emphasises the importance of the Imperial Conference, and expresses the opinion that tho dominion representatives will obtain a greater influence, and! that it is also porsfblo that in many matters their influence will prove decisive, because Great Britain is dependent upon them for many things. The dominions may secure a voice in the War Council, and then it will be all over with specifically English interests, but the British Empire_ will develop into one organisation, which must bring gigantic changes. The Volks Zcitung admits that a powerful wave of national feeling is sweeping the dominions, supporting the blood relationshirj with old England. It is generally agreed in Australia that Mr Hughes, the Prime Minister of Australia, will not attend tho conference.