EMPIRE HISTORY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16200, 25 November 1926, Page 7

EMPIRE HISTORY

NEW CHAPTERS WRITTEN A CLEARER CONCEPTION DELEGATES ALL SATISFIED. (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.. LONDON, November 23. Having written many new chapters of the Empire’s history—all of them agree with most satisfactory results —the Premiers completed their labors with tlie sixteenth and final session this afternoon. As at the opening session, it- was the occasion of silk hats, frock coats and lelieitous speech-making. As far as Messrs. Bruce and Coates are concerned it will be speech-making for the next fortnight, tor they are to set out on a provincial tour, elaborating the points of the Conlerence decisions. On the economic side no change was sought in tlic existing preferences and there, was no idea of altering or adding to them. There was no desire for an imperial Zollvorein, bill a recognition that the best hope for mutually expand mg trade i;iy in co-operation on the lines adopted by America during Roosevelt’s regime.

The Australian Press Association learns that though ihe communications committee was unable to make recommendations on >Sir James Cuimolly’s last ship scheme, ibis does not mean the end of the proposal. Sir James Connolly is still negotiating witli Air. Bruce. ENGLISH PRESS VIEWS. Tlie press generally commends t Inspirit of the conference, and regards the proceedings as fruitful, but there is a, note of restrained criticism in some editorials. The Alorning Post slates: “No doubt there are local questions where the Dominions’ power to make separate treaties with foreign nations may he useful, but wo think the tendency suggested is weakening and therefore dangerous. The Dominions will doubtless in practice find they carry much less weight when they approach a great Power singly than when the matter is handled with the whole weight of the British Empire behind it.”

Discussing defence, the newspaper stresses that the status of the Dominions would not long survive were the Empire to fall. They would he prizes of war, helpless to protect 1 licit" trade, their liberties and even their existence. Tho Daily Chronicle states: ‘‘Bonds implying subordination have been swept away, but actual bonds there must he, if Imperial relationship is lo he a ,success—tlie bonds of interest in trade, of defence, of migration, and of culture. No machinery helping to strengthen these should be neglected.” The Daily News says: ‘‘The {'(inference makes not- a. single suggestion whereby the Empire can assist in the work of disarmament. On the contrary, it, recognises even after a large measure of reduction has been secured (presumably by other nations), a formidable effort to maintain her own forces wiTI he necessary to Great, Britain. This assuredly is another victory for our masters in Whitehall.” RREDISCOVERED THE EMPIRE. The. Times stales. ‘‘The members of the Conference have in a sense re-dis-covered Hie Empire. It must again he emphasised that the, brilliant document published during the week-end contained no innovations. Nevertheless, something new has evidently happened. This new thing is intangible and unfettered, just as the Empire itself is unfettered by precedent, and free to meet what Hie future may bring. The new thing is perhaps a seqse of greater and more effective unity in such freedom. The ground is cleared, of political doubts about the nature of the Empire, and new opportunity is given to go forward in co-operation. ‘‘The best evidence of the success of the conference is that its various mem hers are satisfied. Visitors to previous conferences departed with a vague feeling of disappointment. This time things obviously are very different. Ao t the, change in spirit, and the new sense ol hope cannot be attributed to any startling changes, because the ( onference made none. I lie inter-Tmperial relationships report contains no innovations. It merely registers and clarifies actual facts in inter-imperial relationships and concisely records a state of affairs established by practice in recent years which is thoroughly familiar to those who have closelv followed tlie Empire s fortunes. MR. COATES IMPRESSED.

Mr. Coates, commenting on the interImperial relations committee report, said : ‘‘What is most apparent is that in liis Majesty reposes more than ever tho strongest tie binding the Empire together. The right to communicate direct with His Majesty through Cover novs-General may not involve a change in procedure, but it recognises the principle, which is the better for the definition. It will now be more than ever necessary tor British statesmen to keep in close* touch with the Dominions. So far as New Zealand is concerned proposals are being considered forthwith for improving contact by means of more direct personal communication.” Reviewing tho final meeting of the Imperial Conference, Mr. ■!. U. Davidson, Minister of Publicity, said the most striking thing about the Conference was its spirit, which is. an entirely new feeling, showing the Empire has reached a definite point in development. Hilheito the conception lias been that the. Mother Country was the focus of the Dominions, being at the ends of the lines on the map; but now they are spokes in a wheel, which partook more of the nature of a- web. In view of direct mutual communications, the Dominions weie, so to speak, interlocked. “Those who thought the Empire was going to fly to pieces,” he said, “are faced hv flic d*scouraging fact that you can see the interlocking running through tho whole of the inter-Impcrial relations report. The Conference’s practical results are most considerable. General llerl/.og, whom many were inclined to thou might find the position diilienll. returns completely satisfied with what lie has learnt- of the true position of the Empire. It will make t Do enemies of the Empire blaspheme, and that is a most, satisfactory thing.

THE FINAL SESSION

SPEECHES BY DELEGATES (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Australian au<J iN.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, November 23. Speaking at the tiual session of the Imperial Conference, Mr. Mackenzie King paid a tribute to the friendliness and frankness of the British Government throughout. All agreed there had been a striking readiness to seek, understand and appreciate one another’s viewpoints and difficulties. The Conference’s greatest achievement was the evidence of common standards of fundamental unity, purpose and ideals, and a common desire to work out a, sound basis for enduring co-operation. Mr. Bruce expressed the opinion that the main value of the Conference had been to focus public attention on Imperial questions. They had accomplished a deal of important, work, though in some directions they had not gone as far as individually they might have liked. The Conference in some directions had made an epoch-making advance. They had given the world a clearer conception ilum hitherto of the meaning of an Empire of self-governing nations, jealous of their autonomy, yet. proud of their Imperial unity. I feel our status as individual nations has been increased,” he said, “ while at the same time the prestige of the whole Empire .has been considerably enhanced. The Conference reports only partly indicate to the Parliaments and people overseas what the Conference has achieved. Delegates will leave feeling most deeply the warm vein of friendship permeating every portion of the Empire. This could only be, achieved by personal contact.”

Air. Bruce paid a tribute to the Baldwin Government’s unremitting attention to Conference problems, despite the great industrial upheaval. “ ONE GREAT SCHEME." General Hertzog said : “ In' leaving the Conference we all feel we are cooperators in one great scheme. We realise the necessity for occasional meetings in order to understand the feeling and' spirit of London. I "Shall return with a feeling which I think does not often happen to anyone at such an important gathering, that I leave fully satisfied, that whatever I wanted tc attain has been attained, and what is:, more, it was attained with the full sympathy and co-operation of all delegates.”

Air. Of Higgins said: “I recognise gratefully that every matter the Free Stale raised has received fair and friendly consideration, and wo have met with a desire to meet us reasonably.”

Mr. Coates said ho appreciated the delegates’ co-operation in respect to divergent viewpoints. Air. Baldwin had inspired a most harmonious spirit throughout. Ho (Mr. Coates) did not place over-much importance on the written word 1 , though it might be deemed important to peoples in some parts of the Empire, who saw difficulties which perhaps did not exist. “ Our deliberations will have the most powerful effect both inside and! outside the Empire,” he concluded.

Air. Baldwin declared: “I am glad the Conference was held in the midst of the gravest and most embarrassing preoccupations, because while you admit you desire strength from meeting us in council, it is even more so with us. Your mero presence fills us with, new vigor. I hope and think, like Air.' Coates, that, (he progress made is not measurable so much by words, though these are important, but by a refreshment of spirit in every corner of the Empire, in which the work will proceed for years to come. ” OFFICIAL SUMMARY. An official summary of the proceedings at the Conference states: — “The importance of the Suez Canal route and its bearing on foreign relations was emphasised in the discussion of foreign affairs on October 25, when satisfaction was expressed at the improved European relations to which Britain had largely contributed.

“It was demonstrated that the Empire was firmly attached to the League as an instrument of peace. "Britain, Australia, and New Zealand agreed to the policy of the eondominium of the New Hebrides. “The Governments concerned discussed the utilisation of the Antarctic areas discovered by Britain with a view to developing exploration and research.

"The conference re-affirmed the defence resolutions adopted at the last conference, and regretted there had not been greater progress in armament limitation, though if was recognised.an effort was accessary to maintain the naval standard laid down at the Washington conference, wni dv, naval equality with anv foreign Power, ensuring the security of trade routes wherefore representatives of Australia. Nov Zealand and India noted with special interest the British Obvornrnenf's steps to develop Singapore is welcoming the spirit of co-operation displayed in expediting the work. AERIAL RESOURCES. “Tile conference expressed satisfaction with the progress in building up the Air Force's resources of the Em-

pi re, and urged the necessity of creating and maintaining an adequate etiain of air bases and roTuclliug stations. The conference observed the progress in organising general military formations, the adoption of patterns of weapons on similar lines, and interimperial exchange of officers, and invited the Governments to consider the extension thereof, and further consultation between the general staffs. It recommended the interchange of individual air officers and complete units.

“The conference noted India’s onerous defence responsibilities, and her decision to create a navy, also that closer defence co-operation had been effected by the reciprocal attachment of officers' to the facilities of the Imperial Defence College, noted the developments of the Imperial Defence Committee, and recalled the resolution of Bill accepting in principle the establishment of defence committee* in the Dominions.

“The conference adopted the Imperial communications committee’s resolution, emphasisin'' tiro need for improving communications, osrmbetween Britain and India and Australia and Britain and Now Zealand, but was unable to make a recommendation on a specific proposal for the improved service between Britain and India and Australia, but believing acceleration was possible, suggested that the Governments concerned should investigate the possibilities, LOYALTY TO THE THRONE. “The conference noted the Rugby wireless telephony experiments. The report of the committee’s meeting regarding the Press Union’s deputation on facilities for the dissemination of British news will be published later. . “Mr. Baldwin will submit to Ills Majesty the conference’s address of devotion to the Throne, pointing out that goodwill and the desire for cooperation in Imperial prosperity -marked all deliberations of the members of the conference, to each of whom the Crown was an abiding symbol and an emblem of the unity of the British Commonwealth.

“The conference found the plan of referring any questions to committees most successful, and carried a resolution appreciating tho work of members of the committees, and mutually recording pleasure in welcoming overseas delegates and thanking British Cabinet members for their constant attention. Tho conference delegates wore convinced that the deliberations were moso important in promoting Empire-wide unify through, co-opera-tive action.”

DISCUSSION REVIEWED DOMINIONS’ REPRESENTATIVES. On the subject of (lie new methods of consolation, it cau be said there is no immediate intention of appointing special officers in London and at the seats of the Dominion Governments, nor at Washington- It is gathered there was such a divergence of ideas upon the point in conference, that it was left, to the discretion of individual Dominions to adopt any system they choose, with the assurance that Britain was ready .to reciprocate. For instance, Australia, whether with a continuance of a liaison officer, or a High Commissioner accredited to Downing Street, might prefer to continue to communicate direct with Downing Street., or might like to have at Canberra ari unofficial British representative for the purpose of clearing up matters requiring explanation upon which the Commonwealth would preier not to make ■ inquiries direct. Such a method would have Britain’s acquiescence. Even with Canadian and Irish Ministers at Washington, it is not thought others will follow suit because the expense will be a deterring factor, and the services of the British representative are always available. The inevitable necessity of consulting Parliaments on Imperial defence contributions accounts for the general tclnns of the defence report. Comment was heard to-night that it is a vo-affirmation of.the 1923 resolutions on defence, particularly clause two, relating <«> the nature and extent of tho Dominions’ assistance thereto. It virtually emphasised that Australia chiefly and New Zealand to a smaller extent, are tho only two countries who have since adopted the policy of self help, and if the next three years saw no change, conferences would simply have to go on repeating the resolutions. Another high-placed comment was that the allusion to Australia’s, New Zealand’s and India’s “special interest’ in Singapore was a renewal of the 1923 statement and implied an inquiry as to whether such interest appealed to the respective treasuries. NEW STATUS OF KING. Already there is a crop of: press discussions on the new status ot the King and flic Dominions on which newspapers are copiously quoting opinions from all parts of the Empire. For instance, the position or Australian State Governors has cropped up. The Australian Dress Association gathers that the Federal viewpoint will probably he that iit that connect it,n tilings will remain unchanged and I lie Slates are linked to the Dominions Office, the Governors continuing to be the channels for communication. It is remarked that the conference dealt only with the great self-governing Dominions, and/ if similar treatment were accorded to* States it. would he opening tho way

to its continuance down to tho small cst Grown colony.

The Australian Agents-General are keenly discussing the position. One with long Ministerial experience endorses the foregoing viewpoint that •State Governors arc still amendable to Downing Street. Another with wide British and Australian experience says the conference has merely regularised the existing practice with regard to both Federal and State Governors, and did not affect the established principle that at! domestic questions are to be settled solely between Governors and Governments without reference to Downing Street. The same authority also pointed out that it would be a bad day if the Imperial authorities were encouraged to interfere. Admiral do Chair, Governor of New South Wales, had literally followed the Imperial precedent. When Air. Asquith proposed to swamp the House of Lords, the King said: “Get the authority of tho electorates.” Mr. Asquith complied, whereupon the King agreed and the House of Lords capitulated. He expressed the opinion that if Air. Lang followed Air. Asquith’s precedent of going to the electors on a definite issue Ad miral De Chair would inevitably follow the King’s precedent. CONCLUDING REPORTS. The Imperial Conference adopt *cl tho Alandatcs Committee’s report, approving the reply of the League secretary.

The conference adopted the economic sub-committee’s report, approving the subject of settlement on certain points of the policy accepted by tho Economic Conference in 11)23 and tho Brussels-Genoa maritime conference, 1925-29, regarding the immunity of State-owned vessels, such policy being to allow claims against the State-owned vessels to be heard in the law courts, instead of being handled by the Governments as a matter of grace.

The Conference report regarding the Antarctic policy specially indicates the Wilkes Land area, west of Adelio Land, discovered by the Australian expedition in 1912, as being British by virtue of discovery. Tho Daily News points out that the significance of the decision lies in the fact that France made a claim to the area last" ear. Importance attaches to the phraseology of tho air communications report wherein reference is made to His Majesty’s Government in Great Britain and South Africa, and His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia. Air. Bruce is no longer the Prime Alinister of tho Commonwealth, but is the King’s Prime Alinister in the Commonwealth. The position is similar regarding General Hertzog in South Africa, and Air. Baldwin in Britain. That may seem a small thing, but it is most important. BREAKING TO PIECES DISTORTED RUSSIAN VISION. MOSCOW, November 23. The newspaper Izvfistia. commenting on the British Imperial Conference results, says: “The next step can only be the separation of the Dominions from Imperial association. The Empire is breaking in pieces.”