Imperial Conference

Hokitika Guardian, 21 June 1921, Page 2

Imperial Conference

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LORD MILNER’S VIEWS. LONDON, June 19. Lord Milnerj interviewed by the “Daily Telegraph” stated so far as I can judge, some Dominion Premiers have the idea that an attempt will he made at the forthcoming conference to propose a new system of Imperial Government, which may affect the Independence of several There is no intention of that kind here. It was emphasised in the invitations that the Conference was not designed to discuss constitutional relations, but immediate practical problems. The times are not ripe for the former purpose. We must do our best with the exist’ng means, none better than that the he*.is of the Empire states meet for discms’on, and endeavour to'carry out a common policy so far as it is found to exist. 9he heads for "the time being are able to judge how far they can go, with the certainty that their action will he endorsed by their people. PLACE OF MEETING. LONDON, Line 19 Lord -Milner interviewed, continued: London is the most convenient place for such a meeting, but he hoped the time was coming when a meeting would be possible in other Empire capitals. It was true it had been already suggested that a constitutional conference be held at Ottawa, but such x 'conference may be protracted, in/riving a series of meetings at more than one capital Hon. Lloyd George intends to open the conference bv an address of historic, far-reaching importance. The attendant Ministers will include Lord Curzon, Hons S. Balfour, Chamberlain, Montague and Churchill , CONFERENCE OPENS. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) -LONDON, Juno 20h The Conference opened at noon, all attending. Hon. Lloyd George had recovered and addressed the delegates at length. HON LLOYD GEORGE. ADDRESSSES THE CONFERENCE. BRITAIN’S HIGH IDEALS. (Received This Day at 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, Jure 20. Hon. Lloyd George in his speech at the Conference said this conference falls in a time of great stress in nnny parts of the world. Never did statesmanship demand more patience and wisdom. There was a deepening conviction that the world must have peace, if it is 1 to recover its health.

Referring to the relations between the Empire, United and Japan, he said there was no quarter of the world where it was more desirable to maintain peace and fair play for all nations and avoid competition in armaments than in the Pacific, and Far Fast. The Empire in its foreign policy never c an range itself on differences of race and civilisation, between East and "West. That would be fatal to the Empire. We look confidently to the government and neople of United States for sympathy end understanding in this respect-. • We are ready to discuss w th America any proposal for. the limitation of armaments and no lack of willingness will be found on our part to meet them. Meantime, we cannot frrget that the life of the 'Empire is based on sea power. Therefore we look to measures which our security requires. We aim at nothing more and c-annot he content with less. The Empire is a saving factor in a distracted world. Liberty is its binding principle. Our duty here is to present the ideals of this great association of peoples in a willing loyalty, to one sovereign, and to Keep our strength both moral and material, a united power for justice, liberty and peace. OPENING SCENES. (Received this day at 9.31) a.m.) t LONDON, June 20. Great interest was taken in the opening of the Conference. Downing Street was barricaded against tne Sinn Fein menace, but failed to block the photographers and reporters. Delegates were not anxious to be snapped General Smuts was the only one to offer facilities. Cutch was the first to arrive, wearing a turban accompanied by Ran. jitsinjhi. He dashed into number ten without showing his face. Ranji smiled amicably. Both were received by Hon. Lloyd George who looked well after his holiday. Mr Massey’s entomage was the most impressive of all, a uniformed chauffeur and soldier like?" commissaries attending. Air Hughes was punctual for once arriving bn the stroke of noon frock-coated and top-hatted, otherwise a most modest display. He looked very serious but sun-burned after a river week-end. The last to come was Mr Meighen, the youngest Prime Minister. Immediately following was a huge laundry wagon which drew up at number ten, greatly amusing the crowd, who suggesed it brought dirty flnrn to be washed.

Hon. W. Churchill with bent shoulders and wearing a- soft hat, walked through the barrier as the Conference commenced. Lord Haldane also stooping greatly exchanged a few words at the entrance. As Hon. Lloyd George made the formal introductions a dove perched on the window auguring well. Tlie Ministers present include Hon. Chamberlain, -Montague, and Balfour. The Conference adjourned after eighty minutes and resumes at eleven on Tuesday. It is considered likely that the Anglo-Japanese treaty will be the first business.