The Waikato Times With which is Incorporated The Waikato Argus. TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1922. SIR J. SALMOND’S REPORT

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15024, 22 August 1922, Page 4

The Waikato Times With which is Incorporated The Waikato Argus. TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1922. SIR J. SALMOND’S REPORT

In the report on the Washington Conference, which Sir John Salmond has furbished to Parliament, he has been careful to discourage any exaggerated estimate which might he formed of the results achieved at the meeting. He points out that the chief point in the agreement which was arrived at is financial, in that each Power consented to limit the number of capital ships. It was not a step towards naval disarmament, nor does it prevent any State increasing its war vessels when it is actually at war. It may be thought that with these limitations the value of the Conference was not great, but that would be to unduly discount its achievements. In these matters it is not so much what is actually put upon paper and signed as the spirit which animates the countries and their representatives. If there is no goodwill the provisions of any treaty will not be rigorously observed, and some excuse will always be found for evading them. On the other hand, if the representatives of nations which conceived that they had grievances against each other can meet and discuss them, and arrive at some compromise, and can further agree to limit their armaments, the hope may be entertained that they will do the same again when occasion arises, rather than address State Notes to each other, while the press of both countries is actively engaged in stirring up the fighting spirit, as mischievous boys edge on dogs to fight.' There is no guarantee that the qiethod of meeting in conference will prevent wars, but it at least affords a hope. The final result lies with the people of each country, for under modern conditions no country 'can wage warfare unless its subjects are more than willing. When war was made with small professional armies a king might engage his neighbour without asking his people’s consent, but such conditions have passed away, and the people who will do the fighting will have the voice in deciding when it begins. With all the limitations which Sir John Salmond points out the Washington Conference was a valuable meeting, both for what was done and for what was shown to be possible. On another aspect of the question Sir John Salmond was very emphatic. He points out that the presence of Dominion representatives at Washington affords no foundation for the belief that they have acquired any fresh international status. The representatives were there for consultation and to afford information, but Earl Balfour spoke for the whole British Empire. Among the British delegation llie right of the Dominions’ representatives to participate in discussion was.fully admitted, but unanimity was always arrived at within the delegation. This is a much more satisfactory position than we were in afler the Versailles Conference, when each Dominion signed as if it were an independent State. Tiie consequences of that action do not seem to have been fully realised at the time. The Dominions were in the mood of claiming much, without considerjng all that was involved in the claim. Canada lias been greatly moved on the question of its international status, hut although there is a feeling that their importance warrants some special recognition, they are not prepared io live up to the responsibilities of independence. A nation of ten millions which had taken an active part in the war would not have scrapped its infant navy if it had not been for the conviction that, the British Navy was in being to guarantee such protection as might be required. Such a gesture was more significant than the demand for separate representation at Washington, which has

so far not been pressed. Canada has, in fact, very intimate relations with the United Stales, but is not brought into contact with any other country. The other Dominion which made a point of some more definite status was South Africa, where the question is complicated by racial considerations. If Canada is remote and sequestrated, South Africa lies right on the track of the world’s commerce. The future of Africa cannot be considered to be entirely settled. General Smuts does not desire to leave the Empire, but claims an equal status with Britain. At the same time he was the moving spirit in the resistance made by the Dominion Prime Ministers to the proposal put forward by Britain through Lord Milner that a closer union should be effected. We have always considered that the rejection of that proposal was unfortunate, and though Mr Massey moved the resolution we think he would now admit that it was a mistake. There is nothing to complain of in the present position, but it is not one which can be permanent. There is every desire on the part of Britain to consult the wishes of the Dominions on any question in which they are affected, but the position is one which will inevitably lead to friction at some time. The Dominions are growing in size and importance, and their interests are correspondingly wider. It will happen that two of them have -some difference of opinion, and as there is no provision for them to meet and arrive at some settlement, each will put its case before Britain which will have to support one and thereby offend the other, while it is quite possible that each will cherish a grievance against the Mother Country. Imperial Conferences held every few years are better than nothing, but are a poor substitute for what is required. If an Imperial Council were in existence Canada would scarcely have scrapped its navy, Australia would have maintained some fleet, and we should be making our contribution to the British Navy instead of talking about doing so next year, or when financial matters improve. The first step in the formation of a nation is the recognition of responsibilities; recognition of international status by other nations can follow. It is when they are regarded from this point of view that we see that the time fop independence is not ripe, while in New Zealand at least it to say that no one desires it.