RIVAL CABLES.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 955, 30 July 1903, Page 2

RIVAL CABLES.

MR CHAMBERLAIN SUGGESTS CONFERENCE. SIR E. BARTON’S DECLARATION By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Received 11.14 p.m., July 29 Melbourne, July 29.

A despatch from Mr Chamberlain, referring to the suggested conference of representatives of the Governments interested in the Pacific cable, to consider the proposed agreement between the Commonwealth and the Eastern Extension Company, was laid on the table of the House of Representatives. Mr Chamberlain expressed regret at tue receipt of a telegram expressing the inability of the Commonwealth to agree to the suggestion, and adds : The situation appears to me to point conclusively to the necessity for closer definition of the basis of parnership in tha Pacific cable, and a clearer statement of the mutual obligations of the partners. No more convenient way of attaining this suggests itself than the appointment of a conference authorised to deal with the various matters in dispute. Great Britain joined the combination chiefly with a desire to meet the wishes of Canada, Australia, aud New Zealand, aud would not of its own initiative have proposed the new precedent created in this case. It is-of tne greatest importance that the experiment should bo a success in every way, and should contribute to the union of the Empire, not to be a source of division and irritation.

Unless some tribunal is arrauged to settle the difference, Mr Chamberlain fears there will be no hope in the future that such co-operation will be again accepted by the different parts of the Empire.