Imperial Conference

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1921, Page 3

Imperial Conference

4USTHALIAN AND N.Z. CMILE ASSOCIATION. ANGLO-JAP TREATY. (Received This Day at 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, June 30. „ «r. 'When the Conference lwd resumed today it was clear that Mr Hughes had a majority with him regarding the necessity for a renewal of the Anglo-Japan-cse Treaty. Mr Massey spoke strongly in favour of signing and said New Zealand’s interests were common with those of the Commonwealth. He had already told Parliament that in his opin ion, it was advisable to support a renewal, with whaetver consequential modifications necessary. What he had heard at the Conference, and after Mr Hughes’ speech, confirmed that opinion. General Smuts hoped the Leagu e o Nations would succeed, but he was not inclined to disregard the Empire’s needs. If the Empire would gain an advantage by renewal. Ho, was for a renewal. Mr Cutch spoke for the first time ranging himself behind Mr Hughes and declaring it was most desirable for all concerned that the Treaty be renewed on lines acceptable to the Empire and .Japan, and he hoped America. Mr Lloyd George summarised the Imperial point of view immediately before the adjournment and continues his address on Friday. There was no truth whatever in the rumour that the British Government proposed postponing a renewal to give an opportunity to the Prime Ministers to consult their Parliaments. Practically a unanimous expression of opinion at the conference favours the proceeding uninterruptedly. One delegate remarked after the adjournment that a big battalion were on the side of a renewal. INDIA AND 'AUSTRALIA. (Received This Day at 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, Jure 30.

M. Sastri (India) called on Mr Hughes to-day and extended to him an invitation to visit the youngest of the Empire’s Parliament. Mr Hughes was thankful and said he would avail himself of the opportunity if possible, but time and distance stood in the way. It was unwise for Prime Ministers to leave their posts in these troublous times. However, he would go, perhaps later. At the same time, h c extended a cordial invitaion to Indian delegates to see the Federal Parliament working. M. Sastri was appreciative of the compliment. naval Defence. (Received This Day at 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, June : Mr Hughes carried the day at the conference J>y his eloquence and sorin arguments. When Hon. Lloyd George completes his address on prelini'inary views on the naval policy, he will be replied to by British Dominion representatives. This is expected to last ; week. It appears likely this exchange of views will end matters, since M Meignen announces his departure on the 21st. Mr Hughes and Mr Massey propose forcing the issue but are unlikely to repeat their success at the Treaty discussion. Canada, Africa and India are not keen to spend money to support naval defence, which in their view, Ihenefits particularly Australia and New Zealand. A HOPE OF UNITY. (Received This Dav at 9.40 a.m LONDON, July 1. The “Daily Chronicle” says yesterday’s Conference discussion on the An-glo-Japanese treaty took the form of greatest importance and councils with similar discussions at the Cabinet meeting. The question has arisen vH<U he the subject of international communications whether it is possible to have a general discussion between United States and British Dominion representatives and .Japan, with the object of securing a Tripartite agreement on the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty, j Tf this is possible and the hope is , strongly entertained, and United States J and Japan are brought into agreement t through the medium of the British Em- | pire, a great step will have been taken to establish the peace of the world. ; and pave the way for an international j nrgeement on the subject of disarms- j ment. \& a -subsidiary matter, the ; treaty may he extended for three months to give the opportunity to nr- j rive at a triple agreement.

CABLE NEWS.