REPORT FITS BRUCE’S POLICY VERY CLOSELY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18012, 24 November 1926, Page 13

REPORT FITS BRUCE’S POLICY VERY CLOSELY.

COATES QUIETLY HELPED TO ACHIEVE UNITY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, November 22. The report of the Inter-Imperial Relations Committee continues to be widely discussed. There is comment in Australian circles on how closely it fits the policy outlined by Mr Bruce at a private welcoming lunch at Australia House immediately after his arrival. Those intimately in touch with the give Mr Bruce a large share of the credit for the happy result of the Conference, and describe Mr Coates also as a quiet and persistent helper in achieving better defined unity. It is remarked that both Australia and New Zealand were in the happy position, of knowing that nothing conceded to the others in any way affected their conception of Imperial relationship. Mr Bruce said to-night: “It is a very great report, and Avill unquestionably do much to remove from the arena of active political discussion questions which previously caused, much anxiety.” The first symbol of the relationship is contained in to-night’s Air Communications Committee’s report in the phrase: ‘‘His Majesty’s Government? in Australia,” and the same phraseology is used regarding South Africa. This report will be of historic value as the first State document containing the new formula. The non-committal allusion to Locarno in the report was what Avas most expected. Mr Bruce thinks that resort to the contracting-out clause Avill not be necessary under the new definition on foreign relations. Another authority, describes it as a case now of “all in or nothing.” The Australian Press Association gathers that the consensus of opinion was that it was inadvisable to deny Britain the right of extending hospitality during the conference, unless public opinion was shown to be hostile to that course. It is pointed out that all the dominions are jealous of their right to entertain visiting British delegations. Mr Bruce envisages the possibility of an Inter-State Conference in the near future to discuss methods of solA r ing migration difficulties, but he would prefer to see them first thrashed out Avith the Migration Development Committee. In the meantime Mr H. W. Gepp, chairman of the Migration and Development Committee, at Mr Bruce’s request is investigating the possibility of using caterpillar tractors, such as were seen at Camberley in the Army manoeuvres on November 13, for the conveyance of materials for developmental work in roadless areas or carting water in time of drought. With the sitting at three o’clock tomorrow what will become known as the “Silent Conference” will end. The Dominions Office hopes the same evening to issue a comprehensive official report on the whole proceedings. There will also be an outstanding report on Imperial Defence and another dealing with speedier sea transit and mails, but the latter is likely to be inconclusive; merely stating the necessity for watching developments in methods of propulsion.