Imperial Conference

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1921, Page 2

Imperial Conference

CABLE NEWS.

AN UNPROMISING OUTLOOK

TO CUT AND DRV THINGS

AUSTItAJ.IAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, July 25. Whatever doubts existed regarding the preliminary l’aefic Conference, they were dispelled to-day. It is ceitain now that representatives of the Nations and also the Dominions interested will meet to discuss the side issues before the main disarmament gathering is heild in Washington.

It may not be called a conference but an Imperial Minister remarked today: “Call it ' pow-wow, conversation, exchange of views, or anything else —something of that nature is assured. It .is practically settled that the gathering will be held in London in order to reach finality on this point most likely on Tuesday. The .Pr,ime Minister, after spending a week-end at Bath, Bristol and 'n the Cheddar district, returned to Paddington to-day to find motors were waiting to take them hurriedly to a summoned meeting at noon. No announcement was jinade, but it was learned privately that this was the pieliininary conference, referred to. The delegates before leaving for lunch were assured that an opportunity would lie given them to place their views fully before those who are likely to be the final arbiters on the disarmament ques- : titin, which directly lunges on the situation in the Pacfic.

Late tliis afternoon another meeting was called, but quickly dissolved as Mr Lloyd George was -compelled to remain at a Cabinet meeting, which extended unexpectedly. Meanwhile Mr Meighan is standing by to become conversalnt with the .latest developments, before hurrying home and perhaps back again, when

required. The Prime Minsters are convinced it would be' futile to seriously discuss dsiahmament at the general Conference in America, unless the issues causing the present rivalry are first settled satisfactorily, without affronts to national aspirations, and pride of race The outlook is not promising.