NO CONCRETE RESULTS

Southland Times, Issue 23228, 17 June 1937, Page 5

NO CONCRETE RESULTS

Work Of Imperial

Conference

DOMINIONS WARY OF COMMITMENTS

TIMID REFERENCE TO AMERICAN TRADE (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received June 16, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 15. Expectations that the concrete achievements of the Imperial Conference would be virtually nil are confirmed by the summary of the proceedings, which was issued today as the last act of the conference. It is stated at the outset of the summary of foreign affairs that “no attempt was made to formulate commitments which in any event could not be effective until confirmed and given approval by the respective parliaments.” The report deliberately eliminates, as was inevitable, all reference to the intimate details of the British and Dominions’ preparations for defence, and likewise omits details of the frank discussions on foreign affairs. Nevertheless, even if these could have been fully disclosed it would be abundantly clear that the fundamental position remains unaltered—that apart from pious expressions of faith in the League of Nations, coupled with mentioning an intention to continue measures for their own defence, no unity was anywhere evident in what might be termed an Empire defence policy or a common policy in international affairs. The political correspondent of the Australian Associated Press gathers that New Zealand and Australia might be prepared for a much closer Empire partnership had the other Dominions been willing, but the virtually isolationist policy of Canada and the South African Prime Minister’s fear of anything savouring of commitments torpedoed the proceedings in the first few days. The delegates unhesitatingly had time after time used the phrase: “Common allegiance to the King,” but what emerges above everything is their avoidance of committing themselves to a unanimous declaration. The clear inference from the conference is that if the King does participate in pny war it rests entirely with the Dominions whether they will support their King in that war, although the conference purposely avoided discussion on this highly delicate aspect of Imperial relations.

CO-ORDINATED DEFENCE The Australian delegation attached great importance to the development of co-operation between the several parts of the Empire, and the New Zealand delegation also emphasized the aspect of co-operation so that expenditure on the three branches of the defence forces could be devised to ensure New Zealand efficient defence —not only local but in co-operation with the other units of the Commonwealth. New Zealand also attached the greatest importance to the Singapore base. The conference agreed on an increase in armaments not more than sufficient for the defence of territories and trade and the fulfilment of obligations. It recognized the sole responsibility of the .several British Commonwealth parliaments to decide the nature and scope of their own defence policy. . It can be said on the credit side that the frank interchange of views has proved most valuable; simultaneously it illustrated the defects of consultations carried out by despatches. The visitors had the first opportunity of appreciating at close hand the menacing European situation. Likewise they were enlightened by the blunt exposition by the Foreign Secretary (Mr R. A. Eden) of how the Dominions could not be immune from the turmoil of Europe. Undoubtedly all will leave the conference deeply impressed and convinced at what was said, though Mr W. L. Mackenzie King appears satisfied that wherever and whenever the trouble comes Canada will rest safely in America’s bosom.

The conference was impressed with the world-wide effect of increased armaments by the principal Powers, caused by the increased international tension since 1930. It was of the highest importance that negotiations for a limitation should be reopened whenever there was a reasonable prospect of success. Emphasis was placed on the advantages of Imperial co-operation in the production and supply of munitions, raw materials, food and forage to meet Empire needs. ANGLO-AMERICAN TRADE No question has been more to the forefront at the conference than the proposed Anglo-American trade pact in conjunction with its repercussions on the Dominions, yet the summary timidly dismisses a subject which has aroused the most lively discussions thus: “The conference has noted the steps that have been taken by the United States Government about the possibility of securing a relaxation of quotas and other obstacles to international trade. It is hoped that every effort tending towards the promotion of international trade will be maintained and encouraged.” Clearly much more will be heard of this subject in the near future. The allusion to trade begins by affirming that questions arising from the Ottawa Agreement can best be dealt with as the occasion offers in separate discussions by the individual governments. After the statement by the President of the Board of Trade on steps to ensure.a freer flow of international trade New Zealand suggested means for ensuring the regulated expansion of the production and marketing of foodstuffs, and other commodities.

The conference fully discussed various aspects of the nationality of married women, including the enactment of legislation to provide that nationality should not necessarily be dependent on the husband’s nationality. It also discussed the possibility of securing reciprocal arrangements for the general adoption of legislation on the lines of the Australian and New Zealand legislation, and discussed the state of the law in countries outside the British Commonwealth. It was not found possible to agree to any change in the existing law. Consequently the committee, while unable to submit recommendations, assumed that the matter would be the subject of further consideration and consultation between the respective governments. The report on the New Hebrides consists of a single paragraph: “Examined by representatives of the United Kingdom Government in consultation with representatives of the Australian and New Zealand Governments.” The subject of migration does not appear in the report. The political correspondent of The Daily Herald declares that the record of the conference is: “Little attempted, nothing done.”