PACIFIC AFFAIRS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 805, 28 October 1929, Page 9

PACIFIC AFFAIRS

CONFERENCE OPENS IN JAPAN SOME NOTABLE FIGURES (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) Reed. 10 a.m. TOKYO, Sunday. The conference of the Institute of Pacific Relations, representatives of all Pacific countries gathering at Kyoto, commences on Monday. Among the notable figures attending are Lord Hailsham, Professor Shotwell, the Hon. Newton Rowell, and Baron Sakatani, and Dr. Nitobe, of Japan. The executive and principal committees are meeting at Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. The executive consists of Mr. Wm. Greene (U.S.A.), Lord Hailsham, Sir Lionel Curtis (Britain), Dr. Nitobe (Japan), Dr. David Yui (China), Mr. Rowell (Canada), Mr. F. C. Atherton (Hawaii), Mr. W. B. Matheson (New Zealand), Professor Eggleston (Australia). Dr. Nitobe (Japan), who was formerly Under-Secretary for the League of Nations, has been elected president of the conference, and Mr. Yui (China) chairman of the executive, which is mainly engaged discussing questions of constitution and finance. The research committee, with Professor Shotwell, as chairman, is reviewing the results of the work and planning its continuance. The work of the conference is being arranged by a programme committee. The main subjects are the national clash in Manchuria, China’s foreign relations, security and armaments in the Pacific, the machine age and Oriental culture, and food and population in the Pacific countries. Observers will be present from Russia, France, Holland, Mexico, the League of Nations, and the International Labour Office. A programme of receptions and entertainments is being given by Japanese members and friends. There will be a reception by the Governor and Mayor of Nara and a visit to the park and shrines this afternoon. Statements by the leaders emphasise the unofficial character of the conference. Its importance consists in the meeting of leaders and in the mutual discussion and research work done.