IMPERIAL PROBLEMS.

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

IMPERIAL PROBLEMS.

CONFERENCE SPEECHES.

PRESERVATION OF THE EMPIRE. TOE HOPE OF CIVILISATION. Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn. Received October 3, 12.30 p.m. LONDON, October 2. At the Conference Mr Baldwin said the economic condition of Europe made it necessary to turn eyes clsc--where. The Empire’s resources were countless, and there was a clamant need for development. He hoped the Conference would rearch an agreement on steps to provide at an early date an ample supply of raw' materials, -on which the world's trade depended, thus expanding business and leading to an improvement of the conditions of the people. He looked confidently for a solution of the Indian problems, but it was on the Dominions’ Goyernrnents that the Empire must rely. Europe was spending more on armies than in 1914, and economio solidarity had been destroyed. The Britisti Empire and peoples all desired peace ' above everything else. The League of Nations promised to he a great factor in achieving this end. If the British Commonwealth collapsed civilisation would disappear. The delegates were all on an equal footing. No' one Government could bind the others, but all must agree to act effectively. Mr Baldwin said no doubt an agreement ; would be achieved, and that not only would Empire problems be solved, but world troubles brought near a settlement.

Mr Massey hoped the Conference would succeed in doing something towards the solution of as many as possible of the problems that have arisen. General Smuts welcomed the Irish delegates, whose presence showed what goodwill could effect. He urged the Conference, without threats, to speak with a voice that would be listened to in the world’s affairs, and exert enormous influence towards the settlement of Europe. He urged the necessity of supporting the League of Nations, whose credit had been enhanced by the Italian crisis. He beJieved that .inter-Empire trade would be fostered without straining England’s settled fiscal policy. The outerEmpire also needed renewed trade with Europe. • Mr Cosgrave (Ireland) stressed the Irish delegates’ goodMaith, also their desire to solve problems and shoulder the common- burdens.