EMPIRE PROBLEMS

Otago Witness, Issue 3510, 21 June 1921, Page 17

EMPIRE PROBLEMS

THE COMING CONFERENCE. NAVAL DEFENCE QUESTIONS WARM DEBATE EXPECTED. LONDON, June 16. Th naval defence of the Empire will ba debated warmly at the conference. The representatives of Great Britain have said quite plainly that she cannot, unaided, bear any longer the enormous expense of maintaining a navy sufficiently strong to guarantee the safety of every part of the Empire. Great Britain herself has been the first to recognise that the dominions should have a voice in framing the policy; but a strong foreign policy would be no good without a powerful navy to back it up These points will be put before the delegates by the Imperial authorities, and it will be left for the conference to decide what shall be done. It is considered likely that Lord Jellicoe’s recommendations that Great Britain should pay three-quarters of the annual cost and the dominions one-quarter will be the basis of the discussions. The protection of the, Pacific will, of course, largely focus the Australian viewpoint. Mr Hughes says that Australia is ready to shoulder her part of the burden. The other delegates are not so outspoken, although Mr Meighen lias stated that Canada’s financial position prohibits her from embarking on any substantial naval programme at present. COURT OF INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE. LONDON, June 17. Mr Hughes, on behalf of the commonwealth, to-day signed the protocol providing for the establishment of a Permanent Court of International Justice. The document was specially sent from Geneva on Tuesday, and was sent back within a few hours. PACIFIC PROBLEMS. OTTAWA, June 17. It is reported from London that Mr Lloyd George will support Mr Meighen (Prime Minister of Canada) in urging the postponement of the discussion on Imperial naval defence. Mr Hughes’s and Mr Masseys’ opposition to this course will probably be met by a proposal to hold a conference between Great Britain, Japan, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, at which all the problems of the Pacific will be reviewed. It is felt that success is assured if Canada will take a lead at such a conference which would do more to settle the Pacific problems than an alliance of the navies. Mr Lloyd George is said to be lukewarm regarding the renewal of the Anglo-Japa-nese Alliance. IMPERIAL QUESTIONS. LONDON, June 18. Sir John Davidson in the House of Commons opened a discussion on the Imperial Conference. He emphasised the need of fostering good relations between Great Britain and the dominions and setting a good example to the world. He stated that the question of Imperial Defence should be dealt witn in the best way to secure concerted action without infringing the principles -of freedom and autonomy. An armament competition had begun, and if allowed to pass a certain {mint would inevitably result in war. It was absolutely essential that the whole Ear Eastern question should be reviewed. Sir Samuel Hoare said that AngloAmerican friendships must be the basis”for our world policy. The Anglo-Japanese t reaty should be considered by the Imperial Prime Ministers from every viewpoint as publicly as possible. If the alliance were renewed it must be modified to meet the just demands of China, and as far as possible American objections. Ihe racial questions and disarmament would be far more effectually approached by holding a conference of all the powers interested in the Pacific.

Sir John Rees said he hoped the Indian representatives would have an opportunity of urging the freedom and status of Indians throughout the Empire. General Townshend said lie would like to see the dominions no longer contributing inonc-v to the fleet, but building their own. If this policy were carried out they would see an Australian fleet policing tho Pacific and the China Seas, a Canadian fleet policing the North Atlantic, and an Indian fleet policing the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf, leaving the British fleet in home waters ready to move to anv ar theatre.

Commander Bollairs questioned whether the Japanese Alliance had not helped the militarists rather than the liberalising elements in Japan. The latter’s naval” personnel was this year greater than the German personnel in 1914, while ours was reduced by 30.000. In such circumstances the people of Great • Britain should not agree to an alliance with Japan. Sir Kinloeb Cook hoped that the principle of an Imperial Navy would be laid down at the C “Vrence, or a navy founded upon the Imperial system. He stated that there must also be an Imperial policy of migration within the Empire.

Lieutenant-general Sir A. Hunter-Wts ton remarked that without an adequate system of defence it was impossible foi

the Empire to exist. Mr Chamlierlain made it clear that a responsible Minister who would be a member of the Conference, must not pre-judge the decisions of the Conference. The Government would enter the Conference without any cut and dried agenda. If the dominions desired and could find time to discuss other questions, they would find the British representatives willing. As to

j the question of defence it was the Government’s desire to promote as far as possible the co-ordination of military, naval, and air forces of the Empire, so as to enable them, the consent of their respective authorities was obtained, to co- ! ordinate most quickly and effectively, with i the greatest prospect of success in war ! time. Anv assistance which the. Government could render would be cheerfully and gladly given. Continuing, Mr Chamberlain said he i thought it right to say in regard to the Anglo-Japanese Treaty that the Government would be- no party to an Alliance against America, or by which we could bocalled upon to act against the United States, but he would not say that any continuance of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance in a modified form was not possible. He did not believe the Treaty would give rise to any real apprehension amongst the governing authorities in America. It would always be a cardinal feature of the British policy to cultivate good relations with America. He entirely agreed that new competition in armaments between Britain and America would be not merely a tragedy to both countries, but to civilisation. The House adjourned. TRIBUTE TO MR MASSEY. LONDON, June 18. Air Massey had a very busy week, being almost continuously confined to his office on dominion business, which is very considerable at present, apart from preparation for the conference, and entails many interviews. Finance, shipping freights, wool profits, and produce matters are engaging his close attention. Invitations to public and social functions continue to be numerous, but have had to be declined during all this week except those for a dinner at the House of Commons given by the Empire Development Committee and for the annual dinner of tne Association of British Chambers of j Commerce—both important gatherings. | At the former Mr Churchill delivered a ; notable speech on Empire affairs. In wel- ! coming Mr Massey he said : “He is an old friend and no fair-weather friend. We knew him when the storm raged and the waves ran high. Wo saw him here always resolute, and always cool and confident. Those who knew what the New Zealand Division did in Lie war—a single division kept always at the fullest strength and pushed continually into the fiercest ; battle—knew it had gained a reputation j second to none.” —(Cheers.)