WAR NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1917, Page 1

WAR NEWS.

yPiiß Paisa Association. —Copviikiht.]

THE WAR CONFERENCE

Statement of its Work

Unanimous Resolutions.

(Anstra’ian & N,Z. Cable Associsth u and Reuter.) LONDON, May SB. The Colonial Secretary has issued a statement respooting the work of the Imperial Conference which is now approaching the end of its labours. Together with some of the resolutions it states that some matters are of a most confidential character. At present the publication of the resolutions and debates thereanent will probably be «impossible till after the war. The records of the conference’s decisions were unanimous in respect to the resolutions now publishable. On no occasion was it necessary to deride or withdraw any motion because an agreement could not be .reached. The resolutions recommend the appopintment at the earliest possible moment of an expert committee representing the United Kingdom, the Dominions and India and the Military authorities to consider the various patterns of military stores equipment, in use with a view to selecting standard pattern’s for general adoption, as far as the special circumstances of eacn country permit. That the ordinance and personnel of the Empire’s military organisations should be trained on the same methods and principles of the ordinance from an parts of the Empire and should be attacked at adequate periods to’ the Imperial Ordinance depot. That the Admiralty be requested to work out'immediately after the war the most effective scheme for Empire Naval ' Defence for the consideration ol tire other Governments summoned to tne conference, with (the recommendations regarding the Empire’s future security. The Conference welcomed the increase in the number of trade commissioners and recommends the. Governments concerned to co-operate in assisting the service, especially for the promotion of inter-imperial rrade. That the 1907 Imperial Conference resolution be modified to permit the full representation of India at all future Imperial Conferences and that the assent thereto of the various governments be obtained. _ The Conference, prays the King to constitute by Loyal Charter an Imperial War 'Graves Commission on the lines proposed by the Prince of Wales to the Prime Minister. The Conference records its deepest appreciation of flic French Government’s generosity in allotting in perpetuity the land where our men are buried, and urges that similar Arrange ments be made in the peace terms with all Ally, enemy, and neutral governments, in Gallipoli, Mesopotamia, Africa, and elsewhere. The Conference is of the opinion that the re-adjustment of the constitutional relations to the component parts of the Empire is too important and intricate a subject to deal with during tlio war, and should be discussed at a '“"special Imperial Cojnferenca immediately after the war. The Conference records that such readjustment while thoroughly preserving all the existingg powers of selfgovernment and complete control of. domestic affairs should be based, on the full recognition of the Dominion M autonomous nations of the Imperial Commonwealth, and India, as an important portion thereof should recognise the right of the Dominions and India to an adequate voice in tne Foreign policy and foreign relations, and should provide effective arrangements for continuous consultation on all important matters of common Imperial interests, and such concerted action should be founded on consultation as the several* Governments determine

The Conference recognises the importance of securing, uniformity in peace time a policy of action in regard to naturalisation, and commends the proposals submitted by the , Home Office to the Overseas Governments. It recommends no delay in taking steps for the establishment in London of a Imperial Mineral .‘Resources Bureau, a'he re on the whole Empire would be represented, whose duties will include advising how t&e mineral resources may be developed and made available to meet the Empire’s metal requirements.

In view of the war experience too Conference calls attention to the im portanco of developing an adequate capacity of production of naval and military material, munitions, ana supplies in all important parts of the (Empire, including the countries boraering on the Pacific amd Indian Oceans, where such facilities do not at present existThe Conference affirms the importance of close co-operation between India, the Dominions and the United Kingdom, and witli this object urges that the system of double income taxation within the Empire he <taken in hand immediately after the war, and the law be amended regardingg the present unsatisfactory position. In view of the war experience the Conference records that the safety of the Empire is necessary to the development of its component parts,, and requires prompt and attentive consider ation and concerted action in regard firstly to the production of an a rqua to food supply, and arrangemen ts for its transportation, when and where required, under any conditions reasonably ant/icipable; secondly the control of the natural resources availatSe within the Empire, especially those of ar essential character for mecesary national purposes, whether in pea cobow war: thirdly the economical utilisation of such natural resources through (the manufacturing processes conducted within the Empire. The Conference commends the Govern ments concerned to consider the enactment of legislation in filial direction. Ai'tev expressing the view that the

time lias arrived for all possible encouragement to the deevlopment of Imperial resources especially in making the Empire independent of other countries in respect of food supplies raw materials, and essential industries the conference favours firstly the principle that each part of the Empire having due regard to the interests of the Allies shall give especially favomable treatment and facilities to the produce and manufacturers of other parts of the Empire. Secondly that arrangement, should be made whereby extending immigrants from' the United Kingdom may be induced to settle in countries undeivtlie British flag. The conference having examinea « memorandum on the positions of Indians in the self-governing dominions presented by the Indian representative accepts the principle of reciprocity of treatment and recommends tne memorandum to the favourable consideration of the Governments concerned.