THE WAR CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1917, Page 2

THE WAR CONFERENCE.

Hon Long’s Address. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter.) (Received May 2G, at 9,15 a.m.) London, March 25

The Blue Book dealing with Imperial Conference minutes shows that Hon W. Long in his opening address, said he was satisfied that Germany was making the moat complete preparations for oompetifeion after the war,

In battle wa have bean found unprepared, but he hoped we would not again be caught unprepared in the peaceful conflict whioh would come after the war, wherein we ought to do something more than hold our own. Therefore, he believed the Conference mußt be helpful. General Smuts thought that matters of war should be settled by this Conference, _

Sir Joseph Ward disagreed. He thought they should discuss ma’ters that would be affecting the Empire after the war. If we began twelve months after the war we would begin twelve months too late. He hoped to see proposals to circumvent the enemies’ insidious attacks concerning vital.Jrade interests.

There should be discussion concerning the value of the Pacific to the Empire. Also subventions of British shipping should be discussed and they should deal with the naturalisation of aliens after the war, and make action uniform.

J There were lengthy discussions oa the care of soldiers’ graves, constitution of the Empire, and double income tax.

Hon W. F. Massey took exception to the draft charter for the care of graves, in it not specifically mentioning Gallipoli. Sir W. Borden thought the charter should make referenoe to all the theatres of war.

Mr Massey contended that other places were not in the same position, because Gallipoli was an enemy country.

Other members pointed out that Palestine, Salonika and Mesopotamia were in the sama category as Gallipoli.

The Conference ultimately adopted the resolution Gabled and also that the maintenance of graves be made a national charge.

Views of Members. (Received May 26, at 9.15 a.m.) / London, May 25 Sir W. Borden speaking oa the resolution dealing with the constitution of the Empire, said he looked forward to development along the line of increasingly equal States, Dominion’s and Mother Country. He believed the Dominions fully realised the ideal of an Imperial Commonwealth of united nations, with the crown as the tie.

Under the present conditions it was unwise for the conference to attempt to enter into the subject. He hoped the delegations next conference would be thoroughly representative of all parties. Mr Massey irysecoadicg, agreed. General Smuts considered the circumstanos3 of the Empire would entirely preclude a federal solution. An attempt (o so run the different races, languages, eoonomio conditions and even oommon ooncerns, would absolutely court disaster. Sir Joseph Ward strongly opposed any attempt to hand over the control of individual defence forces to any Empire Parliament, but reiterated his previous views on the necessity for such a Parliament. Meanwhile there ought to be Overseas representatives in the British Cabinet. During the discussion on the doable income tax, Treasury officials stated it was absolutely impossible to inquire into the subject until after the war, owing to their depleted staffs. ALLIES’ PEACE TERMS

A Forecast New York, May 25

The New York Sun’s London correspondent states M. Ribot’s speech is the first of a series wherein the Allies will state war aims. Thp.y will then issue a combined statement declaring they agree absolutely on the restoration of Belgium, Serbia, Roumania, the return of Alsace-Lorraine to France, the Trentino to Italy; and autonomy for the Slava in Austria.

AN INTERESTING SMASH. Scene at a Banquet, [LONDON TIMES SERVICE. —COPYRIGHT.] (Received May 26, at 9,30 a.m.) London, May 25 Whilst speaking at Sir E. Carson’s luncheon at the Savoy, Lord Beresford held up a plate displaying the manufacturer’s name “ Bauschen, made in Weiden.” Exclaiming disgustedly. “ Here’s a pretty state of affairs, we are actually dining on German plates." The majority of the guests smashed their plates on the floor. Lord Beresford added—“ I could not have enjoyed my luncheon if I had known that they were German plates. The Empire Associations must Bee that this doeß not ooour again.”