Imperial Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1921, Page 2

Imperial Conference.

IUBTKALIAN ANU N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIAIION

A GARDEN PARTY

LONDON, July 19

The linperal Conference to-day was interrupted while the Prime Ministers attended a garden party given by Mr Uoyd’ George at Downing Street, where there were a thousand present.

BIG PACIFIC NAVY

LONDON, July 19

Much business was done at this morning’s session of the Imperial Conference, which was devoted to a discussion on foreign affairs. The debate was resumed on the Pacific question. Admirals Beatty and Grant were present. The Angio-Japanese Treaty was not directly mentioned, being overshadowed by the Washington Disarmament Conference proposal, hut the whole position was surveyed and all phases examined in order to hSve r facts marshalled for presentation to the Pacific Conference at Washington from the British Empire standpoint, and alternatively to avoid the summoning of another Imperial Confe* enre hurriedly, should the Amen plans fail. Air Massey and Air Hughes still adhered to their original stand. They claimed it would be in the best inter ests of the British Empire, in any circumstances, if the Anglo-Japnnese Treaty should be renewed. They urged the Alliance as a precaution against the ,'-Washington disarmament discussions failing to settle the Pacific problem. They argued that naval defence was bound by the same considerations. The Australasian delegates also insisted on adequate protection being always available as a. guarantee that the whole Empire would be inviolate to any emergency, till the disarmament was an accomplished fact. Strict secrecy is observed.

However, at the conclusion of the Conference, Air Hughes was apparently well satisfied with the outlook. He declined to comment, but inquiries in other quarters suggested that the basic principle which Hughes favours is nov receiving encouragement and support. Exact details are not available. It may be regarded as certain, however that his proposals include a naval force being set up in the Pacific equal to delaying any enemy for a month or live weeks, so as to enable the main British Fleet to arrive to the rescue. These arrangements, however, are understood to hinge on a . substantia! subsidy being paid to the British Admiralty. The debate is to be resumed tomorrow, experts and Admirnlitv officials being present.

WORLD'S QUESTION

LONDON, July 19

At the Imperial Conference, the wireless question is hanging fire. Air Hughes is strenuously opposing the Norman scheme, which provides for stations with a small radius, prevention direct communication, even with Canada, America- or the Far East. It is true that it will be possible to hear from anywhere with these stations. but they would be unable to transmit thus. ‘ Air Hughes contends that the essence of propaganda is the getting of fresh news and views IteForo the world at the earliest moment. He says it would be no use to be simply listening"to what others have to say. A wireless system of any use to Australia must be able to speak anywhere direct, accurately and uninterruptedly. Australia would not be satisfied with any tiling short of this ideal. laical views on the Empire’s and the world s affairs often would be likely to have great influence if delivered promptly. The Departmental experts and officials favour the Norman scheme. They emphasise the great cost and the i unreliability and other difficulties indirect communication.

Th e wireless companies, also Signer Marconi, support Mr Hughes in contending that anything except direct service is obsolete.

SECRECY AT CONFERENCE

i LONDON, 'Tuly 19. The early meetings of the Imperial Conference delegates were bound to observe secrecy, similar to the Cabinet which was shown by the fact that Mr Lloyd George always has referred to the gathering in the House of Commons as “The Imperial Cabinet. Leakages of information as to the •secret deliberations, howlever, have now been apparent, resulting in angry e>3changes at to-klay’s • meeting but the nature of the complaint has n - been disclosed. Firm steps have been taken by tlie British authorities to discover the leakage, which at times been embarrassing.

HUGHES’S DILEMMA

LONDON, July 19. 1 The indications are that Australia is unlikely to be afforded an opportunity to express views at tlie Conference on Pacific questions at Washington. [KVen if formally invited to Conference, Mr Hughes is practically certain to hurry to Australia on account of the present disturbed state of Federal politics. This disturbance is indicated by the cables that are constantly appearing in tho London Press.