LONDON CONFERENCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3514, 19 July 1921, Page 18

LONDON CONFERENCE.

MR HUGHES’S ORATORY. LONDON, July 11. Mr Harding’s invitation to Mr Lloyd George’s reply in regard to a disarmament conference overshadowed the proceedings at the Conference of Prime Ministers. The discussion on foreign relations was continued, Air Meiglien and Mr Hughes taking opposite sides. Air Hughes took exception to Air Aleighen's veiled suggestion that Canada ■would judge the rights of a quarrel before rallying to help the Alother Land. Air Hughes replied that Air Aleighen’s attitude was exactly correct and academic. Australia expected nothing from Canada and South Africa ; nor did they expect anything from Australia. That was quite right; but they owed all to Great Britain and the Empire. The dominions had the same rights as a son 'coming of age. Similarly, a father could legally turn his son adrift at 18; hut what a poor world it would be if every con and every father exercised his rights to the letter of the law! The world was not satisfied with that kind of thing. It would never do in family life or in the family of the Empire. EGYPTIAN POLICY APPROVED. LONDON, July 11. During the afternoon the Conference discussed Egypt, concerning which Lord Curzon made a statement regarding future policy which commended itself practically to the unanimous support of the Prime Ministers’ Conference. CONSTITUTIONAL CONFERENCE. LONDON, July 11. The Conference next discussed the possibilities of closer relations between the dominions and the Alother Land concerning foreign affairs. This discussion originated in a resolution at the 1918 Conftlrence, recommending the holding of a constitutional conference. To-day’s meeting was devoted to hearing proposals in reference to the agenda at a future conference, at which the Prime Mini-ters, the Leaders of the Opposition, and other parties should participate. Air Hughes, General Smuts, AH AJeighen. and Mr Alassev outlined their individual idea.'; by which constitutional changes can be effected. The Conference then adjourned until tomorrow. July IS. The conference again considered foreign policy to-day, the discussion being really three-cornered, Air Lloyd George, Air Hughes, and Air Aleighen taking part, these delegates endeavouring to discover the host means by which the voice of the Empire ran be most effectively heard The details of the discussion are secret, but it is reported that no decision was arrived at. Air Aleighen now purposes visiting Canada and returning while the conference continues. Air Hughes points to this as an indication of the advantage in time and distance which Canada’s communications give over those of the Australasian domino ms. AIR HUGHES IN THE Id M ELIGI IT. LONDON, July 12. Mr Hughes continues to dominate the conference. Next to Air Lloyd George, his is the most alert brain in the assemblage. His contests with Mr Aleighen, who is a cold, academic debater, are still feati ll os of the conference. The other delegates are not wielding much uilluence. The conference is attended daily by the secretaries in addition to the Prime Ministers. INDIAN HO; I’jTALITY. PRIAIE MINISTERS ENTERTAINED. LONDON, Talv 12. The Indian delegates to the conference •ntertained the Prime Ministers at the Carlton Hotel. The magnificence of the

function was not touched by any other function. Six native princes, with an aggregate annual income of over £2,000,000, were included in the party. They were a contrast to Air Sastri, who belongs to a cult which binds him to j spend only £6 a month on himself. His i income is £BO a year. His two sons I are attending a university. Air Sastri is j the brains of the Indian delegation. Air Hughes, in responding on behalf of the guests at the Indian dinner, said he congratulated India on the magnificence of her performance in the war aud the excellence of her representation at the Imperial Conference. He particularly emphasised the importance to India and the self-governing dominions of a united Empire, and pointed out all that Australia had achieved in the way of self-govern-ment and independence. This showed that what was possible under the nroteetion of the British Fla£ and the British Administration was still possible in similar circumstances in any other British territory, no matter how advanced their views might be. The dominions were now free in every sense of the word, yet they were members of the greatest Empire that had ever existed. Our Empire was the greatest guarantee of peace in the world, and it would ensure the dominions’ safety. He asked the Indian delegates to lake this message back with them. No matter what some of their extremists might ask. the Indian people should remember that whatever they achieved it would be useless without safety, which could not be guaranteed outside the British Empire. “I beg them to remember that all which the dominions have achieved in the way of self-government was only gained by constitutional means and evolution. Their I progress has been one of steady advance towards liberty.” Whatever India’s aspirations might be, they could not lie served by revolution, nor could anything be assured by separation from die Empire. REPARATIONS. LONDON, July 13. The Prime Ministers’ Conference discussed reparations this afternoon, the Chancellor of the Exchequer presiding. An attempt was made, to devise a satisfactory scheme for allotting the dominions’ share of 22-j per cent, coming to the Empire out of the 16,000.000,000 gold nwhich Germany eventually will pay. The j allotment bristles with difficulties, but the I tone of the discussion was most nr ate j and conciliatory. One proposal is that a ! I division bo made in proportion to the 1 | numbers of deaths of dominion soldiers | another on the casualties, a third on the | basis of the pensions now being paid, and a fourth on the number of troops sent overseas. There was a long discussion but no decision was reached. The casus' ties basis would give Australia an advantage. It was learned to-night that an arrangement is likely to he made which will be wholly satisfactory to the common, wealth. A SECRET MEETING. LONDON. July 13. After the adjournment to day- only I Ministers remained, when a secret meeting was held fop over an hour. No an- j i nouncement was made, but it is believed I that the Washington possibilities were dig- j cussed in all their phases. July 14. The Prime Ministers, including Mr Lloyd George, who met in private, on j Tuesday, conferred again secretly ) cuter- | day morning. Highly- confidential matters j relating to foreign and Imperial affairs were discussed. No other announcement. | was made. EMPIRE COMMON ICATIONS. LONDON. July 14. Although the Imperial Conference was overshadowed by the Washington Conference and the Irish developments, the delegates continue to stick closely to their work. Yesterday was fully occupied. The Conference met at the Colonial Office, Afr Churchill presiding.

The communications question was further discussed, military and civil experts j of all branches of the service attending, including the Postmaster-General. Some headway was made, the discussion being adjourned to hear a deputation from the Empire Press Union. Lord Burnham, Lord Riddell, AH- R. Donald, and Sir Roderick Jones acting as spokesmen. It is understood that the wireless interests have offered to provide a rate exactly half that of the lowest of the cable companies’ rates, if the chain is authorised. All opinion favours direct communication rather than delay-s. The immigration Question was considered by a special committee, with a view to securing the systematic development of the Empire along ordered lines. Finally it was agreed to refer the matter to an open conference at a later stage. WIRELESS SERVICES ESSENTIAL. LONDON, July 14. A Committee of the Imperial Conference to-day discussed the wireless proposal submitted by Sir Henry Norman. This provides for an Empire-wide scheme, enabling the. dominions and Great Britain to communicate with each other, but not directly. This plan provides for a 2000mi!e radius, meaning that relays are necessary. Mr Hughes bitterly opposed this, demanding direct communication if the scheme was to be attempted at all. A long debate followed. The deputation from the Empire Press Union resumed its interview. Mr Robert Donald, addressing the delegates on behalf of the British Press, elaborated the views given by Lord Burnham and Lord Riddell. Air Donald said he had made a special study of the collection and distribution of foreign press news, and he impressed delegates with his clear insight into the technicalities and details of the work. He emphasised the urgent need for improved means for news exchange and transmission, and pointed out the disabilities under which the Empire Press is labouring. The British were had enough, but the dominions ’nfiuitely worse. It was a wonder the overseas | newspapers supplied such extensive and i widespread information in view of the j prohibitive costs. How long would the j communications of the Empire lag behind those of other countries which" were now offering special encouragement to the news services, recognising the advantages ox publicity propaganda. He pointed out that much of the world’s information was not tinged with American and French views. Quite apart from other considerations wireless services were essential if we were to have up-to-date information fer the public, presenting a picture of the world’s affairs and Empire matters in its proper colours. This applied to the social as well ns to the industrial and general life of the people. It was so manifestly important to the whole Empire that even were the scheme not commercially profitable, vet it was absolutely necessary without delay. The Prime Ministers’ Conference did not meet to-day owing to Air Lloyd George’s engagement with Air De Valera. Tomorrow’s conference has similarly been cancelled. In the meantime, however, the various committees aro proceeding. Air Alassev is confident that a wireless chain will be established even if relays arc necessary. Air Massey is receiving cables from New Zealand assuming that the Prime Ministers are participating in the Irish negotiations. He reiterates that the conference has not intervened in regard to Ireland either individually or collectively with the exception of General Smuts. DELEGATES BECOMING RESTIVE. LONDON, Juiy 14. The Prime Minister’s Communications Committee resumed its discussion, scientific and departmental experts and civil, military, and postal officials assisting. The schemes of Dr W. H. Eecles and Sir Henry Norman were reviewed and examined in detail and deficiencies exposed. It was decided to refer the whole matter back to the Conference as a whole. Air Hughes is understood to be dissatisfied with the progress made and the prospects. An impression appears to be that driving power is lacking. One delegate went so far as to ask if j any strong outside organisation was balk- ! ing the wishes of the delegates. The j secret is kept fairly well, but it is certain that the committee separated with a great diversity of opinion. A special committee considered the shipping phase of the communications report submitted by Mir Halford Mackinder, chairman of the Imperial Investigation Board. This included representatives of British and Dominion interests. The Builders and Merchant.}’ Committee recommended uniiorm legi.- lation through out the Empire regarding the limitation of owners' liability. So far it is lea that Canada. .Australia, and Great Britain have already passed Acts substantially I satisfying in this respect-, particularly with j reference to bills oi lading. The commit- ! lee urged the other dominions to give the ! matter attention soon. It is proposed that j the committee should continue under a | Royal charter. Mr Hughes brought up Hie question of I rebates. He also wanted information I showing how the services could be im- ( proved. The Chairman stated that evidence had | been already taken in regard to rebate.?, but that no decision was reached as to its recommendation, except the obvious nr" that, there must be no victimisation of shippers (ic-ner.ii Sykes, Director of Civil Aviation. is advising the Conference on the proposals to establish an airship service. Sir Boss-Smith is helping Air Hughes. Mr Sastri will ho afforded an opportunity to-morrow to deal with Indian questions Matters affecting a White Australia will not be raised.

Bff-rr-wrr.a , MR MASSEY SATISFIED. (Special to Dress Association.) LONDON, July 15. Up to the present the Imperial Conference has held 24 meetings. The opening speeches by the Prime Alinister disclosed the viewpoint of each dominion on the various matters to be discussed. Then came statements by Air t hiirehill regard ing the Crown colonies and dependencies, and by Lord Curzon on the present state of foreign affairs. This cleared the way for the Conference, which then dealt with the following subjects : —The constitutional relationship between the component parts of the Empire : the European situation as apart from foreign affairs generally ; the Angl'o-Japa-nese Agreement; mandates (particularly respecting Mesopotamia and Palestine) ;

1 . . League of Nations; naval, military, and air defence; German reparations; Ang < Egyptian pliey: Empire communications (sea, land, and air) ; development of civil aviation; telegraphic communications throughout the Empire ; Imperial Shipping Committee’s report, and Imperial immigration. The discussions on these matters have not reached finality. In respect to some of them, committees comprising Prime Ministers, with English Ministers who are more particularly concerned, are sitting separately to examine the questions in detail, with the object of making recommendations t, n the Conference. For instance. the question of German reparations is being dealt with by a separate conference at the Treasury, the Chancellor of the Exchequer presiding, whilst questions, I such as sea, land, air, and telegraphic

communications, the better dissemination of Empire news, immigration, and the New Hebrides, were discussed under the presidency of the Seca’etary of .State for the Colonies. The decision on the Japanese alliance is temporarily in abeyance, pending proposals emanating from the American Government regarding the Washington Conference and conversations are proceeding between the Great Powers. Mr Massey has attended every meeting of the Conference. His attitude has been to approach all the questions from the point of view of the Empire unity, with full consideration for New Zealand’s interests. He has expressed himself pleased with the progress made, with the frankness and candour of the discussions, and with tie willingness on the part of the British Government to place all its cards on the table and to give the overseas Prime Ministers the fulled information on every subject. Official reports have been issued on Defence, but rigid secrecy is preserved. Mr Massey is strongly in favour of President Harding’s conference, but apart from that he insists that New Zealand and Australia shall have a full opportunity of discussing Pacific questions. CA N ADA’S DELEG ATE. LONDON, July 14. Mr Meighen has definitely decided to leave London on July 21. STATUS OF INDIANS. LONDON, July 15. The Conference Committee to-day considered the status of Indians in the dominions. Mr Churchill presided. Mr E. S. Montagu, Mr Hughes, Mr Massey, Mr Ballantyne (representing Canada in the absence of Mr Meighen, who was rcceiv • in:: the Freedom of the City of London), the Maharajah of Cutch, W. Sastri, General Smuts, Sir T. Smartt, and M: Moritz were present. There was a lengthy discussion, mostly i i relation to the position of Indians in South Africa. The question was eventually referred to the. conference as a whole. The subject of immigration was not raised, arid no reference was made to a “White Australia” or to the, rights of Irdians to enter. The Imperial Conference met in the afternoon. The matter of air communication was considered, reports from experts being heard. Some were inclined to believe that the matter was premature, but a majority favoured a practical test over an extended period. Mr Hughes remarked: “The air proposals are receiving the same obstruction as the earliest train services, but this latter difficulty was overcome.” The naval question is still being considered.