IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 253, 20 July 1921, Page 5

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

DISCUSSIONS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENTS IN WIRELESS TELEPHONY CHARGES FOR PRESS MESSAGES By Telegraph—Preas Aaaooiation —Copyright (Rec. July 20, 0.5 a.m.) London, July 18. The special conference committee met at tho Colonial Office. Mr. Churchill was in tho chair. Mr. Hughes, Mr. Massey, Sir Thomas Smartt, Colonel Mentz, and Mr. Ballantyno were present. Tho committee discussed! wireless telephony. After hearing statements by the Post-master-General and Sir Henry Norman, tho committee recommended that developments in wireless telephony, whether Government or private enterprise, should be investigated and reports furnished to the Governments of India and the Do minions. The committee then considered tho question of nationality. It approved Mr. Shortt’s proposals suggesting that the acquisition of British nationality* by persons of British descent, of secona' and subsequent generations, born abroad, should bo subject to the registration of birth, and the renewal of the registration ao a British subject on attaining majority. Tho committee resolved that a conference of patent officials of the Dominions should meet in London at an early date. The patent conference would consider the practicableness of instituting a system of granting patents which would be valid throughout the British Empire. Lastly, the committee considered, the representations of the Empire Press Union, and resolved: "The committee agrees with the resolution passed at Ottawa in 1920, that any assistance given by the Governments of the Empire towards a reduction of charges for Press servicer by cable or wireless should appear specifically in the estimates of public expenditure, and should not affect the freedom of newspapers. The committee is in full sympathy with a reduction of nates both by cable and wireless for Press mosoagee, and recommends most favourable examination by tho Governments concerned of any practicable proposals to that end.’—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

END NOT IN SIGHT MANY SUBJECTS STILL TO BE DISCUSSED. (Rec. July 20,. 0.25 a.m.) London, July 19. Thera is an impression that because Mr. Meighen is leaving for Canada on Friday the Imperial Conference has practically terminated. On the contrary, many important subjects remain to be discussed. It will bo impossible to close before the second week in August. Mr. Hughes and Mr. Massey came to deal with the two matters of the Japanese Treaty and Pacific problems. Neither has been* settled, but Mr. Hughes will insist upon some form of guarantee before leaving. It is reported unofficially that negotiations with the Admiralty are proceeding satisfactorily, but a settlement is not in sight.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

MR. HUGHES’S RETURN. (Rec. July 20, 0.25 a.m.) London, July 19. Tho Prime Ministers, except Mr. Meighen,' will be the guests of the City of Bath next week-end. Mr. Hughes will probably leave for Australia at tho end of August or beginning of September. Ho will probably be unable to visit France. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.