N.Z. MINISTERS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16433, 29 January 1919, Page 8

N.Z. MINISTERS.

ACTIVITIES IN PARIS,

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, January 23. The following official message has been received from the High Commissioner : — The New Zealand Ministers' somewhat belated arrival is regrettable, as their absence from the preliminary British and Inter-Allied conferences and the first plenary meeting of the Peacc Congress has thrust several disadvantages upon the Dominion, especially respecting Now Zealand's representation and other important interests. The Ministers and their secretaries arrived in Paris, via Boulougne and Amions, late on Tuesday night. The delegates' reception in London was most cordial and very welcome after the unique and occasionally tempestuous voyage by the patrol cruiser Ophir from Colon. They are now comfortably established at the Hotel Majestic, the" social headquarters of the British and Indian delegates. The Ministers were immediately busy overtaking tlie arrears of important work relating to ! the British i>roposals. ° I

The principal task confronting our delegates, meanwhile, is the question of New Zealand's representation. It is obvious that New Zealand's claim for the same representation as is given South Africa is considerably -weakenetl by our Ministers' absence from the important preliminary conference. There was strong opposition from somewhat unexpected quarters to the British Dominions being directly represented at the congress at all/ and the present anomalous arrangement is frankly a compromise in favour of Britain for diplomatic reasons. The British War Cabinet strongly urged New Zealand's interests,. but "failed" t 0 overeomo the opposition. The matter is being keenly fought by Mr Massey, who immediately consulted Mr Lloyd George, and arranged to have the question discussed forthwith at the Imperial War Cabinet.

As regards the congress it is only at its preparatory stage, but it has "been definitely decided to discuss, firstly, tlie League of Nations. Meanwhilo important commissions and committees aro being established. The next meeting will probably be held on Saturday. It is already clear that the British delegation has a stem ta.sk respecting the control of the former Gentian colonies.

Owing to lark of accommodation in Paris the four Indies of tbe New Zealand Ministerial party remain meantime in London.