A NEW ERA.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 August 1921, Page 5

A NEW ERA.

EMPIRE AND DOMINIONS.

VOICE IN FOREIGN POLICY. PEACE IN THE PACIFIC. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—-Copyright. Received August 25, 10.45 p.m. London, August 24 Mr. W. F. Massey, interviewed, said the events of the last two months, from the point of view of constitutional procedure, had been the beginning of a new era for the Empire. It was by far the most important conference yet held, because the Dominions had been called upon to participate in the management of the Empire’s common affairs.

Even the 1917 conference was different. In that case the Dominions were consulted but nothing further was done. The recent conference, though called a conference, acted as a Cabinet, its decisions being equivalent to Cabinet decisions. The overseas Ministers acted up to their new status arising out of the war, namely, that the Dominion were now partners of the Empire, with all a partner’s privileges and responsibilities He admitted he came to London to advocate a constitutional conference, but the proceedings of the recent conference had rendered unnecessary any written constitution. It was not required, in the opinion of himself and other Ministers.

In regard to foreign affairs the Dominion Ministers had been taken into the fullest confidence of British Ministers, and the whole range of the Empire’s foreign policy was laid before them. He regretted that the American Government did not see its way to hold a preliminary conference, especially as probably neither Mr. W. M. Hughes nor himself would be able to proceed to Washington. No countries in the world were so interested in the Pacific as Australia and New Zealand. He had not the slightest doubt that the Empire’s representatives would see that the case was thoroughly considered, but the question was so vital to Britons in the Southern Hemisphere that would have welcomed a personal consultation with other countries’ representatives. He was strongly of opinion that an understanding between America. Japan and the British Empire would be more likely to lead to a solution of the Pacific problem than anything else, and such an understanding seemed to him an indispensable preliminary to disarmament. Mr. Massey, referring to naval policy, said: ‘ Britain must be in a position to defend her interests in tire Pacific. She cannot allow herself to sink to third place. • Tlie Empire depends upon sea power and svill cease to exist if unable to maintain communications.” Mr. Massey said other communications by cables, wireless and air must be fostered by every means. New Zealand was exceedingly anxious to faster Imperial preference. Mr. Massey considered it most important that the Dominions should receive the «»irplns population of Britain. As regards commercial preference New Zealand desired to extend its operation, giving a decided preference to countries of the Empire. If new political arrangements were to succeed every Britsh country jmiet help the remainder more than hitherto.—Times Service.