Imperial Conference

Hokitika Guardian, 23 June 1921, Page 2

Imperial Conference

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. ATTITUDE TOWARDS JAPAN. LONDON, June 22. At to-day’s Imperial Conference sitting, Rt Hon. Mr Meighen (Premier of Canada) said that lie approached the question of Japan with a full sense of his responsibilities. But he pointed out that the outlying Dominions are not disposed to attach the same importance as Britain does to there being any paramount necessity for mitigating racial divisions. If, he said, this conference desired the support of the Dominions’ people, then they must fully inform the public of their proceedings. General Smuts stated that the South African parliament approved of his policy with reference to this Conference, which policy he had expounded in the South African ‘Parliament. Therefore, he said, he proposed to adhere to that policy no\v*plt was that they should not break new ground. He ■ advocated increased disarmament. General Smuts stated that the most fatal mistake* would be a competition in armaments against America. Since, the war he declared Britain and America have drifted apart. The only pathway to safety for the British Empire lay alongside America. foreign policy discussion. LONDON, June 21. The third day of the Conference will be djevoted (to foreign poliqv. Lord Curzon will set out. the British views. The other delegates will state the case for their States. The argumentative state has not yet been reached. It is probable, however, from what has transpired, that the Imperial Constitution Conference called for 1921 will be abandoned. The tenor of the speeches by the Prime Ministers suggest that this proposal is unpopular. Mr Massey and Mr Hughes have strongly criticised it as a proposal to hold a useless conference. SMUTS’S SPEECH. LONDON, June 22. At to-day’s Conference, General Smuts said that the European situation no longer was of first importance.. Therefore they should escape from the European entanglements. Undoubtedly the scene had shifted from Europe to the Far East and the Pacific. The problem of the Pacific would probably the greatest during the next fifty years. It was one embracing Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Japan and America. Tt was in the Pacific, he said, that the next great chapter in human history would lie enacted. The American Senate had already made the first great inove by inviting a consultation between the United States, the British Empire and Japan The duty of the Imperial Conference would he to help forward that movement. ‘‘lf wisely guided,” he said, “this Conference may become one of the greatest landmarks in history.” INDIA’S BIG CLAIM. Air Snski (India) said: India had not yet acquired the ft. 11 Dominion status, but she had planted herself firmly on the road thereto. He intended •submitting a resolution demanding the equality of the Indians in all the Dominions, subjected only to Txird Sinha's compromise at the 1918 conference. HUGHES’S SPEECH. Air Hughes said he hoped the Conference would do something to convince the people it had found practical a sure way of bridging the apparently impassable chasm which divides the complete autonomy of several Parliaments of the Empire from united action upon matters affecting all. It is essential,” he said, “that we must do something if this Conference is not to he the last magnificent flare of a dying illumination.” There were three outstanding problems. These were: reign policy; Japan and Defence. There was also the equality of the Dominions at the Council table. In dealing with these questions, equality was accepted, hut for the Dominion to have a really effective voice in the British foreign policy, they must have knowledge. This knowledge was impossible without improved communications.

Referring to the Japanese Treaty, Mr Hughes said that the matter was definite and urgent. He declared Australia’s attitude was clearly stated: “The treaty cannot be renewed precisely in its present form,” said Mr Hughes. “It must confirm to the requirements of the League of Nations.” Nevertheless, the case for a renewal was strong, if it were not overwhelming. “Speaking broadly,” lie claimed, “Australia favoured a renewal, but this renewal must exclude the possibility of war with America. They must guard against even the suspicion of hostility or unfriendliness towards the United States.” He claimed if the Treaty with Japan were renewed, the Empire would he in a. better -position to exercise influence over Eastern policy than if Japan were their potential enemy. They would do well for the world peace ; for China ; for the Commonwealth of the British, to renew this Treaty with the Japanese. MR HUGHES VIEWS. (Received tin’s dav at 8 n.m.’i LONDON, June 21 Mr Hughes suggested a conference between Britain, America and Japan regarding a renewal of the treaty. In any ease they should ascertain America’s views. Referring to defence, he advocalted international limitation of armaments, but whatever was agreed upon. Australia must have a naval defence adequate for her safety. The war and Panama Canal had shifted the world’s stage to the Pacific. The world’s future drama must he played in the Pacific. He hoped for agreement between the three great naval Powers. He admitted that Britain was unable alone to continue tbe responsibility for defence of tbe Empire. The Dominions cannot ask to he permitted, to participate in the direction of the foreign policy without sharing the defence. Mr Hughes was not prepared to say what Australia’s share should be. He considered Australia’s share per capita should not be so great as Britain’s because Britain defends the Colonies, dependencies and India, but whatever was Australia's share \i should apply j

to all the Dominions on a per capita basis. He refused to subscribe to the doctrine that the less endangered Dominions should contribute less than the more menaced Dominions. He did not believe the Dominion’s quota should he monetary. It should be expressed in —-- terms of Dominions navies. Referring to the proposed Constitutional Conference, he confessed his inability to understand what tlie Conference could do. The position had changed since the resolution carried by the 1917 Confer encc. It was unnecessary, because no limitation was placed upon the Do- _ minions which now could even enc<tf^p>, pass their own destruction by sunderfl|£ the bonds of Empire, if they desired to do so. They already possessed all the rights of self Government enjoyed by independent nations. The proposed * Constitutional Conference was causing anxiety in Australia. Instead of giving Australia greater powers, it was feared it would diminish existing powers. Even this Conference was in the shadow of the clouds of suspicions.' It "’as even not entitled to give itself a name, whether Conference, Cabinet or Counpil. All were questionable titles. Constitutional experiments meant treading on dangerous ground. Let us leave well alone. Hon AV. F. Afassey, after eulogising Hon Lloyd George as already cabled, disagreed with the view Hiat the Dominions were independent nations, which in the case of war might refrain from taking their part; He doubted the practicability of holding . another Conference next year, because the elections were due to be then in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Air Hughes interjected—“ Glad.” _ Air Massey mentioned that because of it it was impossible for him to attend next year. Mr Alassey continued that in naval defence there was no difference between himself and Air Hughes, in regard to its necessity for protection of Australasia. The storm centre had changed. He feared the next naval war would be fought m the Pacific. It was necessary to maintain communications throughout the Empire, otherwise, we would be faced with the possibility of disaster. He advocated a permanent Shipping Committee and yearly Conferences irt different parts of the Empire, improved shipping communications, cheaper freights and) fares, Air Alassey insisted that was necessary in connection with the present unworkable system of Goverlt- . ment in. New Hebrides. He urged that British Ministers should visit the Dominions. Mr Alassey disagreed with General Smuts view that they" could do without alliances. He would welcome an Alliance with America and supported a renewal o.f the Japanese Alliance. INTEREST IN FRANCE. (Received this day at* 8 a.m.) LONDON, June 22. The Dominions Conference has aroused interest in Paris equal-to that displayed in Upper Silesia and Rhine. French opinion considers the Conference will modify the future British Empire. Le Journal says HOll Lloyd George’s statement that the Dominions have an equal right in partnership, dignities and responsibilities for the first time, betokens that the Dominions will formulate a common foreign policy. As Canada has the right to have an Ambassador a,t Washington, doubtless other Dominions will wish to do same. To-day the Dominions* are willing to act in agreement with the British policy, but if fobbed off by vain promises, there is a danger of the policy of separation which may extend to India, Egypt and Ireland. “Le Petit Journal” says England is yielding but not losing prestige. , “Le Temps” considers the limitations of armaments with America is irreconcilable with the preservation of sea power. The great danger to the world is the weakness of China, which tempts the covetousness of the Powers.