Imperial Conference

Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1921, Page 2

Imperial Conference

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LEAGUE DIFFICULTIES. LONDON, July :2. A. J. Balfour, addressing the Premiers’ Conference, on the League of Nations, pointed out some of the difficulties that are confronting the establishment of the League. TKo« who formed the Covenant, he said had assumed that th e Treaty, of Versailles would effectually settle all matters aris ing out of the war, thus leaving the League the relatively simple duty of maintaining rights that were cleany established, and preventing national difference from developing into national wars. These hopes had not been fulfilled as yet. The League had now to deal with conditions that never were contemplated by the framers of the Covenant. He hoped that Germany would soon be a member, but declared that Russia, could only come in when she ceased to be what, for the moment, she was.

THE LEAGUE’S WORK. # (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, July 12. Him A: J. Balfour continued that whdther the Soviet endures or perishes Russia is likely for some time to come to be a disturbing influence in Eastern Europe, which it will be difficult for the League is guide or control. Another difficulty was due to the fact that the statesmen liest qualified by positions as Prime Ministers or Foreign Secretaries could not regularly participate ’in the League Conference. The I eamie’s expenditure would be always easy to attack. The gain to the world’s international co-operation is immense, but it cannot be allocated with definiteness between the co-operating nations, therefore it is easy for a Parliamentary critic to ask what advantage his particular nation derives from the expenditure.” (Received This Day at 9.40 a.m.) Mr Balfour continued:—lf this natural frame of mind is permitted to dominate, the policy of the League will perish. Common sacrifice is required 1f n common effort is to be successful. There were many things the League can do which diplomacy could scarcely attempt, and with greater success. The Treaty of Versailles imposed functions upon the League which could not be carried out by any single power, the mandates being a case in point, if the League were dissolved a new peace treaty would be required to be framed. ’ There is a growing opinion amongst Dominion representatives that Pacific problems should be put before the Conference at .Washington. No 'definite steps have yet been taken, but it is likely strong representations will be made in that direction when the conference details develop.

A SECRET CONFAB. LONDON, July 13 The Imperial Conference is attend ed daily by secretaries in addition to Prime Ministers. After the adjournment to-day only the Ministers remained, when a secret Cabinet was held for over an hour. No announcement was made, but it is believed Washington possibilities were discussed in all phases. THE FOREIGN POLICY. (Received This Dav at 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, July 12 The Conference again considered the foreign policy to-day, the discussion being really three cornered, by Lloyd George, Hughes and Meighen. The delegates arc endeavouring to discover the best means by which the voice' of the Empire can be most effectively beard. The details of the discussion arc secret, but it is reported that no decision was arrived at. Mr Meighen now purposes visiting Canada and returning while the-Confer-ence continues. Air Hughes points to this as an indication of the advantage of time and distance that Canada’s communications give over the Australasian Dominions. MR HUGHES’ POWER. (Received This Day at 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, July 13. Mr Hughes continues to dominate the Conference. Next to Lloyd George his is the most alert brain in the assemblage. His contests with Mr Aleighen who is a c«ld academic debater are still features of the Conference. The other delegates arc not yielding much influence.