FINAL SPEECHES BY DELEGATES

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

FINAL SPEECHES BY DELEGATES

SATISFACTION WITH ACHIEVEMENTS MR SAVAGE EMPHASIZES LIVING STANDARDS (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) LONDON, June 15. The order of the speeches at the closing of the Imperial Conference was: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Southern Rhodesia. The Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr M. J. Savage) said that he came to the conference convinced that a united Commonwealth would effect such a readjustment in the economic causes of war as would make an international conflict highly improbable. . “After listening for some weeks to members of the various delegations I am more than ever convinced of the great part the British Commonwealth can play in* the old contest for the balance of power,” he said. “Foreign affairs must not be allowed again to find a place in the deliberations of mankind. Further attempts to expand trade and to renew the struggle for, foreign markets without recourse to improved standards of life for the masses must <be abandoned. I fervently hope that the Commonwealth will give the lead to other nations before it is too late. “I leave the conference with the inspiring thought that the British Constitution and the self-governing powers of the Dominions are sufficiently wide to allow us to return with a determination to play a full part in the shaping of the future Commonwealth and its relationship with the rest of the world, while simultaneously working out our own destiny.” The Prime Minister of Australia (Mr J. A. Lyons) declared: “We have emerged triumphantly from the conference. The forebodings _of those fearing that the constitutional developments of the past few years would disrupt the Empire proved without foundation. On the contrary, the conference demonstrated that a basis of free co-operation, unity and solidarity could be maintained. The conference put the coping stone on the work of 1926, and though there are differences of opinion about'how common objectives are attainable all benefited greatly from the healthy discussion.. The Dominions obtained a clearer insight into Britain’s difficulties in the conduct of her foreign policy, and the full and frank British statements brought home how unremittingly the British Government has striven for peace in recent years.” The Prime Minister of Canada (Mr W. L. Mackenzie King) said the deliberations had emphasized once more the effectiveness of reason and cooperation as the alternative to force in the conduct of international relations. They had demonstrated how peoples pursuing common ideals but preserving a full measure of their independence could come together for common good. “In the Imperial Conference we enjoyed and exercised the family privilege of frank speech, which contributed to a better Understanding and the attainment of a sound, workable basis of co-operation,” he said. “We have seen how patient and unremitting are Britain’s efforts to repair the tom fabric of European unity and her deep determination to ensure peace. What we have gained from our discussions will enable each of us to strive more effectively for the rebuilding of international friendship and to seek unity not only within the Empire but with every other country that will work towards the same ends. ’ HOPE FOR FUTURE The Prime Minister of South Africa (General J. B. M. Hertzog) said that the conference was champion of the cause of world peace with the weight of the Commonwealth swung in the scales for peace. “I leave the conference feeling a great hope for the future,” he said. Muhammad Khan said that India was anxious to participate in the deliberations of the Commonwealth on the same footing as the Dominions. No doubt she was within a measurable distance of realizing her desire. The Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia (Mr G. M. Huggins) said the conference had proved that with goodwill and an honest desire for concord the League of Nations could be made to succeed. The British Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain) in his concluding speech declared: “There is no need for spectacular decisions or startling changes of policy in estimating the results of the conference, which was not summoned to solve any particular problem or to achieve any specific result, but as a family gathering to exchange information. As such the conference has been an unqualified success.” It had demonstrated, said Mr Chamberlain, that on all the big questions on which the welfare of mankind depended they thought alike. “The keynote of our policy is the maintenance of peace and the removal of the causes which for so long have delayed the restoration of the confidence of the world,” said Mr Chamberlain, “but in the present condition of the world to undertake unilateral disarmament would be to invite disaster, and in our determination to bring our defensive forces to a state of efficiency in which we can maintain our security and fulfil our international obligations we have good reason to believe we are making a contribution of the most important character to the cause of peace.” Commenting that the revision of intra-Imperial trade agreements had not formed part of their agenda, Mr Chamberlain added that all recognized the important part that might be played in international appeasement by economic adjustment.

MR SAVAGE’S “KEY TO PROSPERITY” HIGHER STANDARDS OF LIVING (Received June 16, 6.30 pan.) LONDON, June 15. The Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr M. J. Savage), commenting to a representative of the Australian Associated Press on the result of the Imperial Conference, emphasized the value of the opportunities for a frank and personal discussion, of which every delegate had fully availed himself. New Zealand would like to have seen more emphasis placed on the raising of the standard of living of the peoples of the Empire, in which, he was convinced, lay the chief means of improving the international situation and bringing prosperity to the whole world. The British Commonwealth of Nations should give a lead in this vital matter. The best service New Zealand could render to Britain would be to carry out successfully its present policy, in which, he was convinced, lay the key to prosperity in New Zealand. Mr Savage was also emphatic that the maintenance of a remunerative level for commodity prices was essential for prosperity.