IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15356, 3 October 1923, Page 5

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

INTEREST IN U.S.A.

12-MILE TERRITORIAL LIMIT.

MUCH FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

Australian and N.Z. Gable Assn. WASHINGTON, October 1

Official circles arc awaiting the Imperial Conference discussion with great interest, especially in view of the fact that Britain has intimated that the question of the 12 mile limit in regard tc the right of search for liquor will be considered. It Is felt that Britain, while negativing the American proposal to conclude a treaty on the matter, left open the possibility of its acceptance as an outcome of the Imperial Conference. The hope is expressed here that the Prime Ministers will express their views on the question, possibly leading to an arrangement by which the United States can conclude an understanding with the individual Dominions. Observers are also taking great interest in the various constitutional questions and the problem of Imperial defence listed on the as the decisions thereon will have a direct bearing on American foreign policy, especially if it is decided that the Dominions can appoint their own Ministerial representatives at Washington. It is felt that this would have an important effect on the relations between Britain and America.

The recent discussions on Imperial preference have given Americans much food for thought. There is a distinct feeling that while the Dominions might consider preference, exclusively a measure of inter-Impcrial support, it may have a disastrous effect on American export, since an Imperial preference treaty may conceivably create a high tariff wall throughout the empire, effectively barring a large part of American exportations.

MR MASSEY IMPRESSED.

SPEECHES ON HIGH PLANE. Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn. LONDON, October 1

Mr Massey, in an interview, said he was impressed by the tone of the speeches which, although brief, were on a high plane. His speech was the briefest because, as he explained. It was futile discussing problems before definite proposalsaro before, the Conference. He was much pleased at Mr Baldwin’s speech, which was devoid of rhetorio but intensely practical. Mr Massey amusingly commented on the seating arrangements' at the Conference table, he being placed at one end of the table and the Irish Free State delegates at the other extreme end, with Canada, Australia, South Africa and Newfoundland between Mr Massey jocularly remarked that “Ulster and Dublin are separated by half the British Empire.” It is understood that three days this week will be devoted to the three main questions—namely, economics, foreign affairs, and interimperial trade.