IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 107, 27 June 1911, Page 5

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

SOUTH AFRICAN VIEWS. 1 By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. United Press Association. Capetown, June 2G. The Capo “Times” says that, while appreciating the importance of the confidential discussion on Britain’s foreign policy at the Imperial Conference, it discovers no sign of advance, but rather of retrogression, In' regard to a closer political and commercial union of the Empire. The paper concludes that the Conference is being stifled in deference to the fears of politicians, who are afraid to opoh their windows to the Imperial air, le6t the domestic party interests suffer’. The Ctipo “Argus” hopes the naval review 5 will lead General Botha to realise South Africa’s . absolute dependence on Britain’s maintenance of her sea supremacy, and therefore revert to Mr.. Hoffmeyer’s policy of 1887. The Johannesburg “Star” states that the practical outcome of the Im-perial-Conference, though disappointing iu some respects, is more tangible than could have been expected a fortnight ago. “It remains for the statesmen of the Empire,” says the “Star,” “to ensure that there shall he no reversion to the old policy of drift and apathy in Imperial affairs, and that British rer-resentatives shall abide by the terms of the pledges given, in order that overseas delegates attending .the next Conference may bo enabled to devote most of their attention to concrete measures instead of the discussion of principles.”