Imperial Conference

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1921, Page 3

Imperial Conference

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

NAVAL AFFAIRS. (Received This Day at 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, July 20 The naval question discussion was continued before the Imperial Conference to-day. The First Lord of the Admiralty and First Sea Lord were present. The position was explained frankly and clearly by the Imperial delegates showing the relative strength ot British i:ini foreign navies before the war and the present strength. The lessons ot the war were reviewed in conjunction wit-n the experience of centuries. One statement showed Japan owns eleven ships, and America right, each far more powerful than anything in the Pacific. Having disclosed the inmost secrets oi developments and prospects, responsibility was thrown on (lie Conterciice to decide a scheme to achieve the host results for the whole Empire. ••What are you going to do about it was the Admiralty’s way ol launching the final debate. The efforts of the 'Conference were concentrated on devising a scheme for Empire defence, acceptable to the general principles of all delegates, who " ill take it for submission to their parliaments for approval and ratification. The scheme will be put before each Unminion Cabinet showing the total cost of the proposed shares allotted by the Conference. Cabinet will present Parliaments, including the British, with umonfidential details and permit full discussion. One proposal is that the additional cost should come out of German reparations but others pointed out the Dominions and Britain would pay just the same in the long run. Mr Meighcn wished to rely on the League of Nations and the Munro Doctrine, with the Navy constituted as at present. * (Received This Day at 1.31) p.m.) LONDON, July 20.

At the Imperial Conference, Hon. W M. Hughes pointed out the Dominions’ paid nothing towards the British Navy. Now the Monroe Doctrine and the League of Nations did not provide sufficient guarantees. At present if Dominions sheltered under the Navy they should be prepared to accept a share of the costs. General Smuts said the position of his country was most difficult. It was like Canada which contained a large leaven of French. South Africa was not a homogeneous nation. Hon. Hughes jokingly remarked that Jsorne said Australia, was Sinn Fern. He was prepared to swap two Sinn Feiners for one Dutchman. The discussion centres round an Efnpire Navy. The Pacific is not specifically dealt with.

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE NEWS. (Received This Day at 10.15 n.m.) LONDON, July 30. The complaints re the leakage of Conference news has been satisfactorily. Hon W. M. Hughes bitterly complained of someone divulging secrets for consumption abronrd. Information was placed before the Conference that Hon Smut’s speeches were published verbatim in the “Hears!” papers in the United States.