IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Southland Times, Issue 19256, 21 June 1921, Page 5

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

THE CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTION LORD MILNER’S VIEWS (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, June 18. Lord Milner, interviewed, emphasised that the Conference would not discuss any proposal for a new system of Imperial Government, which was premature. It would moreover need to be differently composed—a larger body with wider scope and all shades of political opinion. It wo d 1 be a mistake to attempt to lay down the Lnes of the Empire’s future development. He said they must do the best possible meantime with the existing method, than which there was nothing better. It got the heads of the Empire together to confer. He hoped the time would come when such meetings would be held in other centres of the Empire. Meanwhile London was the most convenient. Lord Milner, in the course of an interview with a representative of the Daily Telegraph, stated: —“So far as I can judge, some of the Dominion Premiers have an idea that an attempt will be made at the forthcoming Conference to propose a new system of Imperial Government which may affect the independence of several States. There is no intention of that kind here. It was emphasised in the invitations that the Conference was not designed to discuss constitutional relations, but immediate and practical problems. The times are not ripe for the former purpose. We must do our best with’ the existing means. There are none better than that. The heads of the Empire States will meet for discussion, and will endeavour to carry out a common policy, bo far as it is found to exist. The heads for the time being are able to judge how far they can go with the certainty that their action will be endorsed by their people.”

Lord Milner continued: “London is the most convenient place for such a meeting, but I hope the time is coming when a meeting will be possible in other Empire capitals.” It was true that it had been already suggested that the Constituional Conference should be held at Ottawa, but such a conference might be protracted, involving a serie sof meeaings at more than one capital. INDIA’S CASE FOR THE CONFERENCE. THE EMIGRATION DIFFICULTY. LONDON, June 19. The Morning Post states that the Indian Government’s case at the Empire Conference will probably be less thorny than statements would imply. It is understood that the Indian Government does not ask for free and unrestricted entry into the Dominions and colonies, but urges that there should be no discrimination against Indians. The right of the Dominions to exclude Indian immigrants for any bona fide reason other than nationality is admitted, but it is urged that immigrants once admitted should possess equality of citizenship. The Australian Press Association learns that the above substantially represents the Imperial Government’s views. INDIA’S DEPENDENCE ON THE EMPIRE. LONDON, June 18. (Received June 20, 8.20 p.m.) Commenting on Conference matters, the Maharaja of Cutch says: “More and more as time goes on will the Indian people recognise that the value and glory of India’s new-found nationality is largely dependent on her association with the British Empire. One of the greatest obstacles to this realisation is the feeling that the position of India is insufficiently reflected in the status accorded Indian subjects of the King in the self-governing dominions. There is no desire to flood other countries with Indian population, but we are fighting for a principle that must be recognised. Defence is an important matter on the agenda, but the financial stress in India is so great that we cannot do any more than we are doing.” THE CONFERENCE OPENED. DELEGATES ADDRESSED BY THE PREMIER. LONDON, June 20. (Received June 21, 1.25 a.m.) The Imperial Conference was opened at noon ,all the delegates attending. Mr Lloyd George, who has recovered, addressed the delegates at length.