MR. MASSEY

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 285, 26 August 1921, Page 5

MR. MASSEY

VIEWS ON THE WORK OF THE CONFERENCE SOLUTION OF PACIFIC PROBLEM INDISPENSABLE PRELIMINARY TO DISARMAMENT By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright • Glee. August 25, 10.45 p.m.) v London, August 23. Mr. Massey, interviewed 1 , said that tho events of the last two months, from the point of view of |the constitutional procedure, had been tho beginning of a new era for the Empire. It was by far the most important Conference yet held, because \the Dominions had been called upon to participate in the management of the Empire's common affairs. 'Even the 1917 Conference was different. In that case the Dominions were consulted, but nothing further was done. The recent Conference, though called/a conference, acted as a Cabinet, its decisions being equivalent to Cabinet decisions. The overseas Ministers acted up to the new status arising out of the war, namely, the Dominions were now partners of the Empire, with all partners’ privileges and responsibilities. He admitted that" he came to London to advocate a constitutional conference, but the proceedings of tho recent Conference had rendered unnecessary any written constitution. It was nob required, in the opinion of himself and other Ministers. In regard to foreign affairs, the Dominion Ministers had been taken into the fullest confidence of British Ministers. Tho whole range of the Empire’s foreign policy was laid before them.

He regretted that the American Government did not see its way to hold a preliminary conference, especially as probably neither f Mr. Hugh'esi nor himself would be able to proceed to Washington. No countries in the world were so interested in the Pacific as Australia and New Zealand. He had 1 not the slightest doubt that tho Empire’s representatives would see that the case was thoroughly considered, but the question wa s so vital to Britons in the Southern Hemisphere that he would have weL corned personal consultation with the other countries’ representatives. He yas strongly of opinion that an understanding between America, Japan, and the British Empire would be more likely to lead to a solution of the Pacific problem than anything else. Such an understanding seemed to him an indispensable preliminary to disarmament. Mr. Massey, referring to the naval policy, said: "Britain must be in a position to defend her interest's in the Pacific. She cannot allow herself to sink to third place. The Empire depends upon sea power, and will cease to exist if unable to maintain its communications." Other communications by cables, wireless, and air must bo fostered by every means. New Zealand wa& exceedingly anxtous to foster Imperial’ preference. Mr. Massey considered it most Important that the Dominions should receive the surplus population of Britain. As regards commercial preference, New Zealand desired to extend its operation, giving a decided preference to the conn, tries of the Empire. If new political, arrangements . were to -'’succeed, . eyery British country must help the remainder more than hitherto.—" The Times." FAREWELL MESSAGE EMPIRE’S WELFARE PROMOTED PROBLEMS DEMANDING ATTENTION. (Rec. August 25, 10 p.m.) • , August 25. Mr. .Llovd George fiuewelled Mr. Massey, who will leave Liverpool to-day on board flic. Empress of France for Quebec, and will catch tho Niagara at Vancouver on September 10. ' ■’ Mr. Massey, in a farewell message, says he is going back to New Zealand satisfied that the visit and work of the Dominion Premiers has promoted the welfare of tho Empire. “The instructions given me when I left New Zealand were to stand-in all things for a united Empire. lam confident' that what has been done will ’assuredly strengthen the bonds uniting the British people. There have been difficult .and intricate questions, but ths future will prove the wisdom or unwisdom of the Conference's decisions. I believo the pillars of the Empire* have been strengthened sufficiently' to bear the superstructure of n still, mightier nation. The problems to which we must all give immediate attention and consideration include improved means for inter-imperial communications, a preferential system to de-, velop inter-imperial trade, the maintenance of a naval strength sufficient to en sure tho protection of British citizens in all parts of the world, and- the regaining of our previous supremacy »n trade and commerce.’’ Ulstermen telegraphed Mr. Massey, seeking a farewell message. Mr. Massey will send one to-day, regretting his inability to visit his native place, commending Ulster’s loyalty and counselling demotion to the Crown mid the maintenance of ordered government—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.