IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14775, 14 October 1921, Page 5

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

PREMIER’S STATEMENT NO SECRETS HELD BACK. anglo-japaNbsb alliance. (By Telegraph.—Special to Times.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. Mr Massey made his statement regarding [he work of the Imperial Conference and other business in London to-night. He reviewed the proceedings of the Conference at length, and assured members that no secrets were kept back from the Dominion Ministers, who were admitted fully to the Council of the Empire. Vital matters of foreign policy were discussed, and decisions reached. The Empire, for the first time, had spoken with one voice and with no uncertain sound, and the Dominion delegates had helped to avert a most dangerous crisis in Silesia. The' Conference had agreed to the continuance of the Anglo-.Tapnncse Treaty, and he believed this decision had made for the peace of the world. Japan had been a faithful friend of Britain for 20 years, and lie said, with inside knowledge, that Japan had been loyal to the Empire. He felt that the Empire was doing the right and honourable thing by continuing the alliance, which was serving both British and Japanese interests. The time had not come for the British nation to stand alone, and he would support an Anglo-American Alliance if that were possible, and it might bo in the future. The world was sick of war, and wanted no more of it. The best surety of peace would be an agreement between the three greatest Powers —the British Empire, the United Stales, and Japan. PARTNERS IN THE EMPIREPRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IMPERIAL. BOND NOT WEAKENED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. Mr Massey covered a great deal of ground, and held the close attention of members for two hours. The Premier emphasised that although there was no formal deed of partnership, the Dominions had become partners in the Empire, and they had assumed responsibilities as well as privileges. He believed that the Imperial •Conference had bcome in effect an Imperial Cabinet, with Mr Lloyd George as Prime Minister of the British Empire. Mr Massey emphasised that the King was an important factor in the organisation of the British Empire. It was not true that the ne\V status of the Dominions implied any weakening of Imperial bonds. The Dominions had become partners of the Empire, but they were not freed from Imperial bonds in any respect- The Dominion Prime Ministers could not deal directly with the King, who was a constitutional monarch and acted upon the advice of his Ministers, but he could not act on the advice of half-a-dozen different Ministers. The Dominions had to work through the British Government. Turning to other matters Mr Massey said* the ..Dominions must bear the'r share of naval expenditure. The British Empire could not afford to be outbuilt by America and Japan. He suggested that part of the German indemnity might be used to pay for new warships. The ships would have to be provided in any case, since without them the British Empire would sink to. the position of a third naval Power.