Imperial Conference

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1921, Page 3

Imperial Conference

AUSTKALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. TO CONCILIATE AMERICA. CHINA’S OPPOSITION. LONDON, July 7. An interval between the general discussion and the detailed argument on the Anglo-Japanese treaty is being occupied by experts in framing modifications of the terms, which are to be submitted when the matter is resumed. It is stated, off good authority, that the military phases are being qualified but without destroying their effectiveness. - It is understood that views are also being exchanged with America, indicating the nature of proposals which there is some reason to believe are likely to lie acceptable to the Government at Wellington. If so, and if Japan agrees to them, all the interested parties will be.hi accord, and Mr Meaghen’s Canadian opposition would, be then withdrawn. Tt. is too early to say whether the obstacles are disappearing, but the oificial circles opinion is distinctly hopeful that a satisfactory Entente .settlement will be reached. There is, however, strong opposition manifested by China’s representatives in London against a renewal of the Treaty. The case for Chinn is being ably put before the delegates to the Imperial Conference. The claim 1 eing made is that China should be represented with the other powers, at a round the table conference to discuss the whole situation. imperial sea routes. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, July 7. Mr Massey brought up a resolution at tho Premiers Conference: (1) That in order to maintain satisfactory connections and at the same time encourage commercial and industrial relations between the different countries of the Empire, This conference is of opinion that shipping on the principal routes, especially between the heart of the Efnpire and overseas Dominions including India, should be brought under review by an Tutor-Imperial Hoard, on which the United Kingdom Dominions and dependencies lie represented. (2) That for this purpose the Imperial Investigation Board representing the various parts of the Empire he appointed with power to inquire into and report upon all matters connected with I ocean freights; also to report on shipping facilities and all matters connected

with the development of sea communications to the different parts of the Empire with special reference to the size and type of ships and capacities of harbours. The Boa id to include, in addition representatives of the Governments concerned, persons with expert knowledge of the problems involved, including representatives of shipping and trading interests. Mr Massey said matters were discussed in 1918 and there was every indication then that they would lie considered as urgent, but apparently lio- : thing was done. The report presented to the Conference was one of the most colourless documents ever seen. He intended to bring the matter up again. INNER FACTS. ' (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) I JONDON, July 7. The Conference to-day discussed inner facts of the European situation which were secret and confidential. IN JOCULAR MOOD. (Received This Day at 9.4() a.m.) LONDON, .July 7. Hon Massey at the Conference criticising the wireless telephone proposal complained it was impossible to. speak in code. Hon Lloyd George leaning towards Mr Hughes interrupted.—“We could speak, in Welsh.”

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