EMPIRE PROBLEMS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 245, 11 July 1921, Page 5

EMPIRE PROBLEMS

IMPORTANT MATTERS BEFORE CONFERENCE INDIAN DELEGATES STATE THEIR CASE EQUALITY OF CITIZENSHIP CLAIMED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. July 10, 5.5 p.m.) London, July 8. This morning’s session of the Imperial Conference was occupied with Indian affairs. The Marahao of Cutch and' Mr. Sastri stated the cose for equality of citizenship within the Empire. They admitted the rights of the Dominions to restrict immigration, but opposed invidious discrimination between Indians and other British subjects. They expressed satisfaction with the first instalment of Indian self-government, and hoped it would develop into full Dominion government. Mr. A. J. Balfour followed with an exposition of the League of Nations, which he said had already proved of incalculable advantage to the participating nations. The League was destined to become tho greatest instrument of peace in tho world. The Indian delegates have invited the Dominion Premiers to visit India as guests of the Government. Mr. Massey, Mr. Meighan, and General Smuts regretted that they could not afford tho time. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec, July 10, 11.50 p.m.) London, July 9. Mr. Sastri’s denmand on behalf of Indians for equality of citizenship within tho Empire, including tho Dominions and colonies, - has been referred to a committee representing Parliament, the Colonial Office, and the India Office to report to the conference. —Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. CONTROL OTNEW HEBRIDES MR. HUGHES MAKES NEW PROPOSAL. (Rec. July 10, 5.5 p.m.) London, July 8. The Imperial Conference this morning wns attended by officers of tho Colonial Office, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Massey, and also representatives of the Foreign Office to discuss the New Hebrides and the failure of the Condominium. Mr. Hughes put forward a proposal fo- consideration by tho British Government. .. Mr. Winston Churchill (Secretary of State for the Colonics) promised to bring the idea before Cabinet with a view to future discussion. It was agreed that Mr. Hughes who intends to visit France, should take up the question with ths French Government after conferring again with fire Colonial and Foreign Offices.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. LEAGUE OF NATIONS SOME SEVERE CRITICISM. (Rec. July 10, 5.5 p.m.) London, July 8. British delegates to the League of Nations Council also attended the Imperial Conference to-day, explaining the position as to progress and outlook. A short discussion followed, all the Prime Ministers participating. 'The tone of some speeches was almost hostile, tho opinion being expressed that unless there were signs of improvement the League would be a useless extravagance. Lnter Mr Sastri made a statement on behnlt of the Government of India.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rcc. July 10, 11.50 p.m.) London, July 9. The Premiers’ Conference was not unanimous regarding the League of Nations Mr. Balfour and General Smuts were’enthusiastic. Mr. Meighen was optimistic, Mr. Hughes was pessimistic, and Mr. Massey was mildly sympath-etic.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.