FEDERAL PREMIER

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2715, 9 March 1916, Page 5

FEDERAL PREMIER

INTERVIEWED IN By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. Marcli 8, 8.55 p.m.) London, March 7. Mr. W. M. Hughes, Federal Prime Minister, in an interview, said he was glad lie had the opportunity of dis-, cussing with Mr. Massey and Sir Robert Borden vital matters affecting tho Dominions, and arising out of tho war. He was not empowered to speak for Canada or ,New Zealand, although ho was able to state their views.' He expected .Sir-Robert Borden would visit England before he himself departed. He understood that Mr. t Massoy, probably accompanied by Sir Joseph Ward, would reach London in May. He hoped to again consult Mr. Massey when returning through "America. Mr. Huglies stated that he was considering the position as regards Fiji, but refused to bo drawn on any proposals he was making to the British Government. Ho admitted that the policy for the Pacific was anions the questions for discussion. [This statement of Mr. Hughes was referred to the Prime Minister (tlie Right Hon. W. F. Massey) last night. Mr. Massey's comment upon it uas: "I can only say that according to tlie present outlook it is quite impossible for either Sir Joseph Ward or myself to be in London in May. That is all I can say at present."] COMMENT BY "THE TIMES." SPEECHES OF IMPORTANCE. (Rec. March 9, 0.45 a.m.) London, March 8. "The Times" states that "Mr. Hughes's speeches are of unusual importance and interest. We have hitherto not had a British statesman able to speak with tlie voice of three Dominions. Sir. Hughes is the representative of Australia, also the Ambassador for Canada and New Zealand. His conferences with Sir Robert Borden and Mr. Massey established an agreement on many points. If Mr. Massey does not reach London earlier, Mr. Huglies, Sir Robert Borden, and Mr. Massey will hold informal conferences in Canada." '