RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEFENCE

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 45, 17 November 1926, Page 11

RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEFENCE

London. November 15. For the first time since tlie opening ef the Imperial Conference the placid ■waters have become a little ruffled. The Australian Press Association understands from the most reliable source that to-dav’s plenary session was marked by a little plain speaking. “Crisp talk’’ was the term applied to a candid interchange, which, it is understood, occurred during Mr. Bruce’s speech on Imperial defence. How important the debate was is revealed not onlv bv the conference’s decision to withhold any public announcment till a verbatim transcript had been closely scrutinised for the selection of a general outline, but by private admissions that the communique will be heavily censored. BRITAIN’S NAVAL BURDEN. From what can be gathered the incident arose over the discussion as to the extent to which the Dominions should share Britain’s naval burden, the comment of tlie Dominion delegates across the table raising the whole question of the scope of Imperial relations as governing consideration of the responsibility for defence. It is hinted that the upshot was a clinching of the fact of the Empire’s inevitable inter-depend-ence from the standpoints of economics, trade and defence, and that the almost unanimous recognition of these points diverted the discussion into an examination of a declaration of policy, which will not carry the appearance of a written constitution. One well-informed channel went so far as to say: “I think we’ve got it all right.” From the same quarter it was hinted that something was likelv to be decided to-morrow, setting out the Empire’s policy on foreign treaties. It will be of a rather innocuous character, however, but will appease those who are timid about being involved in Continental complications. WORK APPROACHING DEFINITE STAGE. ' There will not be another plenary session till Thursday, when it is most probable that all major subjects will be brought to a definite stage.- Friday and the week-end will be devoted to drafting decisions or statements by the Conference on any subjects that may have reached a conclusion. It is not expected that the duration of the Conference to November 23 will have caused anv recasting . or. curtailment of Mr. Bruce’s provincial tour, though it will probably prevent him starting homeward via . America, in which case he will join a ship at Naples, previous to which he will call on Signor Mussolini. Sir Neville Howse is able to leave his room, but is not yet fit to resume his Conference duties. DIRECT SPEECH BY MR. BRUCE. (Rec. November 16, 5.5 p.m.) / London, November 16. Mr. Bruce’s speech on defence was the longest and most direct of all the speeches of the Dominion Prime Ministers. It is understood that Mr. Bruce examined in detail the position in the Pacific and repeated his- declaration that Australia regarded the Singapore base as an integral part of her defence System. He went on to point out that the jettisoning of the Singapore scheme bv the Labour Ministry changed the whole of Australia’s defence policy and affected her position in responding to the Imperial suggestion that the Dominions should bear a larger share of the cost of the'Empire’s defence; because in the face of much 1 criticism she had placed orders for two Washington cruisers and two submarines, which; added to the existing fleet, constituted the largest contribution to the Royal Navy. It is gathered that New Zealand and India are willing to give material assistance. bnt consideration of the scale of the cash contributions has not yet been reached. METHODS OF CONSULTATION. Discussion on defence, inter-imperial relations, and foreign affairs created a unanimous insistence for improved methods of consultation. Australia’s liaison system with the Foreign Office

DOMINIONS’ SHARE OF BURDEN J “CRISP TALK AT IMPERIAL CONFERENCE MR. BRUCE ON AUSTRALIA’S POLICY The plenary session of the Imperial, Conference was marked by some plain speaking on the subject of Imperial defence and the extent to which the Dominions should share Britain’s naval burden. Mr. Bruce declared that Australia regarded the Singapore base as an integral part of her defence system, and that the jettisoning of the scheme by the Labour Ministry had changed the whole of Australia’s defence policy and affected her position in responding to the Imperial suggestion that the Dominions should bear a larger share of the cost of the Empire’s defence. I By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright.

often cropped up as example of closer contact, but the desire appears to be for something even more direct. Australia’s system is regarded as experimental, as Mr. Bruce admits it was intended to be. The delegates so far have not settled any plan, though the enlargement of the' responsibilities, of the High Commissioners or the appointment of special accredited officials of high status are amongst the suggestions considered. “We are hammering this and other things affecting our relationships, and should have them all straightened out in a day or two,” was the assurance given to-night. It is also suggested that agreement on the Privy Council will eliminate corporation and criminal cases from its jurisdiction, leaving only constitutional issues, in which case the Irish Free State gains its object of unfettered control of its own judicature. PLENARY SESSION CONCLUDED WORK OF COMMITTEES (Rec. November 16, 7.-10 p.m.) London, November 15. The plenary session of the Conference concluded with a general discussion on Empire defence, but the resolution stage was not reached. Mr. Mackenzie King, Mr. Bruce, Mr. Coates, Mr. Monroe, Mr. Havenga, Mr. O’Higgins, ana the Maharajah of Burdwan made speeches. The Conference decided for the present not to issue any report for publication. All the delegate, spoke most appreciatively of the arrangements for the recent naval, aerial, and tank demonstrations. The Conference to-day adopted committees’ reports on oil pollution of navigable waters, unification of rules relating to bills of lading, conventions covering the limitation of shipowners’ liability,, and maritime mortgages and liens, valuation of goods for Customs purposes, and Imperial Shipping Committee. The Overseas Settlement Committee, after a wide field of inquiry by subcommittees, which examined in great detail migration possibilities in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, expects to complete its report to-morrow. The Economic Committee has concluded consideration of the film question, and is nearing the end of its business. The Imperial Relations Committee sat again to-day. Members of Conference go to Cardington on Wednesday to inspect a new airship. The next plenary meeting will be held on Thursday. REPORT OF GENERAL ECONOMIC SUB-COMMITTEE SHIPOWNERS’ LIABILITY (Rec. November 16. 7.30 p.m.) London. November 15. The report of the General Economic Sub-Committee on oil pollution adopted bv the Imperial Conference advocates the Empire Governments’ adoption of the recommendations of the Washington Conference. The report states: "It seems necessary that some Dominions should exercise an option expending the areas to 150 nautical miles from the coast.” The sub-committee welcomes the prospect of a wider adoption interTmperially and internationally of the Brussels rules coverin" bills of lading and commends the Brussels Conventions relating to the limitation of shipowners' liability for maritime mortgages and liens to tlie consideration of the Governments throughout the Empire. The sub-cotnmittee discussed the exclusion of drawbacks in the. valuation of goods for Customs purposes, and generally agreed that several points might be consideled regarding special or dumping duties. It is understood the responsible authorities will examine the subject, sit was the general opinion that it was desirable to maintain the Imperial Shipping Committee on the present basis.