The Hokitika Guardian MONDAY, OCT. 17th, 1921. IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1921, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian MONDAY, OCT. 17th, 1921. IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

A summary lms been issued of the proceedings of the Conference of Prime Ministers and representatives of the United Kingdom, the Dominions, and India, which was held during June, July, and August. The matters under discussion not only related to the broader issue* connected with Imperial policy, hnt nl#o included subjects of

special interest, to business men. DeI tailed consideration was given to the foreign policy of the Empire Together with the problems rd the Western Pneilie and the Ear East, and the Anglo-.lapane.se Agreement: while g-u----eral appreciation was expressed in regard to the work of the League of Xn_ tions, and of its claim to the support of the British Empire as a step forward in thi- regulation of international affairs. The question of Empire settlement was considered by a Special Committee under the chairmanship of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and they approved of the Report of the Conference on State-aided Empire Settlement, embodying proposals indicating that several of the Dominions arc prepared, subject to Parliainentary sanction and to the making of necessary financial arrangements, to co-oper-ate effectively with the United Kingdel* 'in the development of schemes tor Empire settlement adapted to the particular circiiiustancs and conditions of each Dominion. 'Hie Smith African representatives. however, made it clear that Hie limited field for white labour in the Union "ill preclude - 0-0 pc rat ion by the Smith African Government 011 the lines contemplated by the other Dominions. The Conference expressed the hope tlniT the Government of the United Kingdom would, at the earliest possible moment seen re the necessary powers to enable it 10 ,-arry ’nut its part in any schemes of , ~-operat ion which may subsequently he agreed upon, and recommended to the Governments of the several Dominions the consideration of how far their existing legislation on the subject of land settlement, soldier settlement and immigration may rquiro modification or expanion in order to secure effective co-operation. The question of improved communication throughout the Empire. including air, telegraphy, telephony. and shipping was also considered by the Conference. Their decision with regard to the airship question is referred to elsewhere. Tt was agreed that his Majesty’s Government should take steps for the erection of the remaining stations fop which they are re_ sponsible under the Tmjierinl Wireless Scheme, and that the other Governments should take similar action so far as necessary. Tll regard to tho ro)>ort of the Imperial Shipping Committee on hills of hiding, the Conference approved the recommendations made therein as to the Imitation of shipowners’ liability and roeommended the various Governments represented to introduce uniform legislation oil the lines laid down h.v the Committee. A resolution was also adopted to the effect that pending the constitution of a permanent committee on shipping, the existing Imperial Shipping Committee should continue its inquiries. Strong representations were made by Dominion Ministers ill regard to rebates, tint no resolution was passed, the matter being at present under consideration by the Imperial Shipping Committee. The present position regarding the development of wireless telephony was explained to the Conference, which decided that the Radio Research Board lie asked to investigate the subject and report on its development; and in refer, erne to reduced rates for Press messages, both by entile and wireless, the Conference expressed themselves as being in full sympathy, and recommended the most favourable examination by tho Governments concerned of any practicable proposals to that end. The main Conference also agreed to a recommendation made by a spec ial committee that a conference of representatives of the Patent Offices of the Dominions should bo held in London at an early date to consider the practicability of instituting a system of granting patents which should lie valid throughout the British Empire. Other matters discussed by the Conference were:--

The British Policy in Egypt, Imperial Defence, Reparations, Position of British Indians in the the Empire, Nationality of Children of British Parents burn Abroad, the Condominium in the New Hebrides, and the Proposed Conference on! Constitutional Relations.