VITAL QUESTION FOR CONFERENCE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 7 October 1926, Page 7

VITAL QUESTION FOR CONFERENCE.

Problem of Imperial Relations. SOME PLAIN SPEAKING FORECASTED. By C«,lile—Press Association —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received October G, 8.40 p.m.) LONDON, October o. The “Sun’s” political correspondent says that as the result of interviews in authoritative circles, lie is able to reveal some interesting aspects on the most vital question to come before the Imperial Conlerence, namely Jmpcnal relations. They do not attach overmuch importance to the recent noncommittal statements by the various Primo Ministers, because it is their conviction that there will be much plain speech when the conference meets. General Hertzog’is studied circumspection, in particular, is regarded as lending colour to this. conviction. The really interesting point is when will the guns unmask, and who will begin it? Diplomatic circles in Downing Street do not expect the startling outbursts which have been suggested in certain quarters for some time. The correspondent adds: “I am able to state definitely that Britain will take an early opportunity at the Conference to indicate that she agrees to the Dominions’ right to a seat on the League of Nations Council, and will vote in that sens© if any dominion will make such a stand, but this will be accompanied by the important reservation, namely that Britain cannot be expected to canvass other nations for votes. It may well transpire that the Council question will provide an npproach to the general question of Imperial relations, because the acceptance thereof would be a distinct recognition that the Dominions have acquired still another degree of selfdetermination. Whate remains to be seen is whether certain Dominions will seek to go further, which apparently would leave little except a complete breakaway.

The question asked in diplomatic circles is : Do tho people, in talking of complete independence, realise that would mean severance of all ties of defence, finance and economics, requiring that the Dominions provide for their own self-protection? There it no doubt what the answer will be. Hie pnly doubt is whether the people talking of secession realise what it connotes. British circles are of opinion that the secession gestures merely arise from the fact that Canada and South Africa are so wrapped up in Internal problems, that they aro unable to devote the necessary thought to Imperial questions. In this tlicv are unlike Australia and Now Zealand where the true implications of Imperial partnership versus independence, are more fully appreciated.