IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 265, 3 August 1921, Page 5

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

WORK ALMOST COMPLETED DEBATE ON WIRELESS AND AIR COMMUNICATIONS By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright London, August 1. The Imperial Conference nominally concludes on Tuesday. General Smuts, tho Marahao of Cutch, and other members of the South African and Indian delegations are arranging to depart immediately. Mr. Hughes and Mr. Massev cannot connect with steamers earlier than August 24. The interval will be occupied with minor matters of especial interest to Australasia. Mr. Hughes adheres to his decision to journey by way of Suez, probably joining his steamer in the Mediterranean after the Amiens ceremonies. and settling commercial matters. as France has requested. To-dav the Conference discussed the Wireless and Air Communications Committees’ reports. There was a long debate. but neither matter was decided. The opinion of Postal officials strongly favours the committees’ schemes. The majority of the members of the Conference suggest their adoption. Mr. Hughes is opposed to the two thousand miles radius plan for every stage, and is now continuing his opposition, contending that this idea would have been acceptable years ago, but nothing short of direct communication, conforms with modem opinion. If the scheme is to be exploited, let it be something unlikely to become out of date quickly, he says. Direct communication between Britain and the Dominions is essential. In view of this, the probability is that there will bo no decision to proceed pending further information. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE AIRSHIP CONTROVERSY

"THE TIMES’’ SHARP CRITICISM OF THE MINISTRY. (Rec. August 2, 10.45 p.m.) London, August 2.

"The Times,” in a leader, states: “The care of the whole airship controversy is the lavishness of the military air expenditure, accompanied by the doctrinaire parsimony in everything concerning civil flying. While the Imperial Conference is carefully deliberating, a decision of tho greatest Imperial importance, the Air Ministry, through tho medium of Major Guest, forestalls it and sallies forth to convince the Dominion delegates that the expense will be greater than the British States can afford. The Air Ministry is unable to visualise the vast Imperial importance of the civil commercial phase, and is unwilling to learn the possibilities, despite tho proof from the United States and Germany of their faith in airships. Tho Dominion delegates, however, appreciate’ the need of swift communications, and will not reject lightly any project likely to assist in attaining them One of their difficulties is the open hostility of the Air Ministry. It is neither pleasant nor easy for the Dominion Premiers to g<l on in face of the British official opposition, but they will not shrink if they believe Imperial interests demand firmness.’’—"The Times.”