Imperial Conference

Hokitika Guardian, 1 July 1921, Page 2

Imperial Conference

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. CHURCHILL ON EMIGRATION. LONDON, June 29. Mr Win.stun Churi-hill, speaking at the Conference on emigration, said that • he believed that the increased settlement of Dominions by immigrants would i educe the unemployment existing in the Empire by increasing the production and consumption in the Empire, thereby creating prosperity, in which Britain and her Dominions would participate. cANAf)A AND IMPERIAL IMMIGRATION. LONDON, June 29. At the Imperial Conference the Canadian Prime Minister, Mr referring to the emigration question, was* platqnically sympathetic, but showed a want of enthusiasm. 1 lbbably this is to be explained by Canadian apprehensions that the pre-pa id passages for immigrants would destroy Canada’s geographical advantages by putting all the Dominions oil equal footing iii regard to the cost of transportation. .Mr Aleiglien boasted that Canada has expended 120,000,000 dollars on the repatriation of the Canadian soldiers. Mr Hughes then asked Mr Churchill how much Britain had expended. Mr Churchill replied that probably 9120,000,000 had been spent on repatriating British soldiers. AIR,MASSEY’S VIEWS. LONDON, June 29 The question of future control of the New Hebrides Islands, in the Pacific, is coming within the scope of practical politics at tlie Imperial Conference. In England the general expressions of opinion, favour change from the, Anglo-French Condominium there. Mr Aiassey says that the .present position is absolutely unworkable and is getting worse. He suggests it .might he possible to arrange for an exchange of territory with France so as t'q provide one Government- for these islands. Despite tlie fertility of the islands he says the native population is rapidly diminishing. MU HUGHES’ VIEWS. LONDON, June 29. At the Imperial Conference, Mr Hughes said that if America agreed to disarm and if Japan agreed also then Britain would hasten to stand by the obligation to which she has subscribed bv joining the League. In the existing circumstances he could see no -possible argument against a renewal of (he Japanese treaty with necessar,' •iKxlilioalions. Hu was just as anxious s any oiiv else that the terms it should be acceptable to the United Bates a s it was vital, in tlie interest of civilisation that an understanding ,-i;ould exist between America and the British Empire. Every endeavour should be made to ascertain exactly be Aiat-tieau view and to make it clear

1 that The Japanese TrqytV was not aim-,_i:lj-;ayest ! ;.vt*i*iTvai 1 se, be said, war .viib Amenea was im.think->fek'. At same time hi- could not understand the viewpoint which made the renewal of the Japanese Treaty a matter for America 11 '•’approval. Provided that .the Dominions .and the Britisu Empire were satisfied to sever it.