Imperial Conference

Hokitika Guardian, 6 July 1921, Page 2

Imperial Conference

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. ’’

DISCUSSION ON JAP TREATY. LONDON, July 4. The preliminary discussion on the Anglo- Japanese Treaty at the Imperial Conference has been completed. In addition to the set speeches, matters were thrashed out in conversation.

Though no official draft of the new proposals is before the delegates, these will be framed from the views presented during the controversy, they being debated in detail when the matter comes up again.

Secrecy is being observed, but private conversations suggest the trend of the feeling. Taking as a basis the 1911 6 ' Treaty, it is safe to say that the expression of opinion is divided as follows :

On the general principle—s for, 1

against. On the preamble (with modifications necessary):— (a) C to 0, (b) 0 to 0, (e) o to 1.

On Article I—s to 1. On Article Two—4 t.o 2 (this includes the reservation excluding the United States.) On Article Three—4 to 2. On Article Four—6 to 0. On Article Five—4 to 2. On Article Six modifications are yet to be submitted. Asked if be noticed the newspaper discovery that the Treaty would continue, unless denounced, and even'then for twelve months, Mr Hughes replied that was under no misapprehension. THE NEW HEBRIDES. The New Hebrides question is now commanding great attention. Mr 1 iugb.es openly supports a proposal that the British and French Governments should arrange an understanding whereby the Condominium should be abolished, control passing either to Britain or Australia. “

NAVAL QUESTION. The Japanese Treaty being temporarily disposed of, the Conference considered the question of naval defence. Britain’s standpoint was presented first, Messrs Lloyd George, Chamberlain and Churchill addressing the delegates.' They pointed out that while Britain is prepared to defend the outposts as far as possible, site is utiable to guarantee that in time of war every Dominion will he inviolate. The Motherland, they said, did not desire to shirk its responsibilities or unload their cost on to others, or to retract from anything previously undertaken, li vwever, the situation was complicated. The Dominions were once colonies, and before that, mere settlements. Now they were great nations. The only way to obtain a settlement of the question was frankly to discuss with the Dominion leaders what they wanted, and discover what Britain could d(L The proposals they made had been carefully considered for some time by Britain, and confidential statements had been • prepared regarding the various fighting services.