The Waikato Times With which is incorporated The Waikato Argus. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1923. IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15357, 4 October 1923, Page 4

The Waikato Times With which is incorporated The Waikato Argus. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1923. IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

The importance of the Imperial Conference is marked by the growing interest it creates not only in the British Empire, but also in foreign countries. Nothing is more remarkable than the increased perception of all the possibilities which are contained in thatj. unique federation, the British Empire. It is not too much to say that it is' today the greatest existing influence in the direction of law and justice. While so many countries are showing themselves unable to settle their difficulties in any other manner than by revolution and bloodshed, the British Empire has stood in the paths of constitutional action. It is not, however, this aspect of the question' which impresses foreigners, whose respect for law is often limited. The aspect which appeals to America is the economic possibilities. America, which is Itself rigidly protectionist, would probably regard Imperial preference as almost a hostile act. Japan, which has until recently been in alliance with England, and always acted with the utmost loyalty, knows that there is considerable animosity felt towards her in Canada and Australia, and to a less extent in New Zealand. To these two countries, if to no others', the meeting of the Imperial Conference is a matter of the first importance.

The first day of the Conference Is to some extent given up to formal business. A complaint has been made that the overseas Prime Ministers are too prone to indulge in loyal and patriotic speeches, -which are very admirable in themselves, but consume a good deal of the very limited time. They have the immense advantage of requiring no preparation, which may account for the tendency to indulge. The Duke of Devonshire is to address the Conference on the Crown Colonies', a portion of the Empire we sometimes overlook. They are, however, not only important to-day, but are also full of promise for the future. Imperialism on its legitimate side is a deliberate attempt to raise the status of backward races; to give them a better government to-day and prepare them for self-government at some future lime. The time may be very distant, and there will always be a conflict of opinions as to whether such a step is wise, but in any case this should be the goal that is aimed at. Imperialism on any other lines is predestined to failure. Many nations have endeavoured to rule conquered countries in the interests of the conquerors, but such attempts have yielded little profit, and have always ended in rebellion. Britain cannot claim that her record has been without flaw, but she can at least point to a steady progress towards this ideal.- It is well that a formal statement respecting Crown Colonies should be laid before the Conference, that the overseas' Prime Ministers may be reminded of this side of the Empire's activities. The Dominion statesmen will probably reserve themselves for the economic questions, as they are all more or less intent on obtaining from Britain the right to a preference over produce from foreign countries. It is a matter to which Mr Baldwin may be expected to speak with great authority, for he is a capable financier, although whether he is also an- economist we have had no opportunity of knowing. Wc have explained why we think that such a project would be unfortunate, and need not, therefore, repeat the arguments, particularly as we do not think that there is' any prospect of such an arrangement as Canada and Australia desire. Britain cannot afford to pay more than the market price for wheal or wool. She may consent to give a preference to Colonial wine or lo similar luxury goods, but not to raw materials or primary necessaries of life. Wo shall not even obtain preference ou butter and cheese, and butter at least must be beyond the means of very many who are living on a dole. The Conservatives would be prepared to give preference, but Hie leaders recognise the unpopularity which the party would incur. At the last eleclion, which was less than twelve months since, Mr Bouar Law recognised it lo the extent of disclaiming any intention to interfere with free imports. He was himself a protectionist, and we may be sure that he only made such a promise because he knew that to take any other line would damage the prospects of his party. The position has

not changed, and the leaders will not face the unpopularity of such a step. The matter of defence is one which will show differences of opinion. Britain in this respect will be making the request, for she considers that the Dominions should pay more towards the upkeep of the Navy. For local reasons Australia and Canada decided to have navies of their own, and for financial reasons Canada has allowed hers to pass out of existence, while Australia is little better. We have contributed an entirely inadequate amount, and have pleaded financial stringency, although our capacity to pay is better than that of Britain. Something will doubtless bo said of the Singapore base, and Mr Massey will give the project his blessing, but as the countries which arc supposed to benefit from the Singapore naval base will be Australia and New Zealand, the Home authorities will look for something more substantial. The existence of conflicting interests, and the magnitude of the questions involved, make it painfully apparent that an Imperial Conference sitting once in two years is a most inadequate method of dealing with world-wide problems. A continuous body, with secretariat and equipment for information is obviously required, buti the Dominions' shrink . from the constitutional changes which would be involved. Many people think that Crown Colonies and similar questions are better, in the hands of the British Government than they would be in those of an Imperial Conference. It is possible that it may be so, but then we should recognise that the result of leaving the Dominions without an effective voice in Imperial questions will be that they will quit the Empire' at some crisis of its' fate, forgetting that it is their own action or want of action which has brought about the position. '