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Hokitika Guardian, 29 March 1922, Page 4

BACK FROM WASHINGTON

AUSTRALIAN DELEGATE’S VIEWS.

SENATOR PEAIIGE ON THE WORK OF CONFERENCE.

WELLINGTON, March 27

Senator the Rigfxt Honourable G. ,F. Pearce P.C.. who is returning to Ausetralin from the meetings of the Conference on Limitation of Armaments at' Washington, at which he represented Australia in the British Empire delegation, was a passenger by the steamer Tahiti which arrived at Wellington to-day from San Francisco. Senator Pearce, who was for ten years Minister far Defence in the Coramonweatlh Government, including practically th e whole period of the war, now holds the portfolio of Minister of Home and Territories. He expressed the keenest satisfaction at the results achieved by the Washington Conference. He said flint it had been a pleasure to have been associated with the other members of the; British Empire delegation, and referred in appreciative terms to the work of his New Zealand colleague, Sir John Salmond.

“The interests of Australia, and New Zealand in the Pad flic and Far Eastern questions are identical, and so there was no difficulty in harmonising our respective views,” said the Australian Minister. He proceeded to say that, in his judgment, with the possible exception of China, there were no countries represented at the Conference which had more to gain or lose as a result of it’s oonolusione than Australia aud New' Zealand. “The substitution of m policy of penc 0 and a,mi|ty in the Pacific for a. race in naval armaments will mean a great relief for the British Dominions iii naval and military expenditure. The creation of a better understanding among the nations having interests in the Pacific will inspire mutual confidence and assist trade and development among all. To Have been able to assist in removing the misunderstandings, jealousies, and suspicions which undoubtedly existed among the nations having interests in these regions, and to have contributed in some small way to a better understanding among the English-speaking nations, is to m P a source of intense satisfaction. “I have found,” proceeded Senator Pearce, “a very cordial feeling in the United States, and particularly in Canada, towards this Dominion and the Commonwealth, and a. keen desire to learn more about us. T trust that by improving trade and means of communication, wo shall foster these feelings for our mutual benefit.” Senator Pearce expressed keen gratification over the ratification of the Pacific Treaty by the United States Senate. He thought the majority very gratifying in view of the circumstances, and he was sure tint all the other treaties would he ratified, with iprobably larger majorities. He de-

clined to speak, before returning to Australia, upon the particular effects of the Treaty upon the Commonwealth and the Dominion, hut said tha.t no countries had more reason to he gratified and thankful for the delilierate acceptance of nl policy of peace in the Pacific. He expressed the view that the direct representation of Australia and New Zealand at such conferences was absolutely essential, particularly because of the influence the representatives were able to bring to hear upon the British delegation. Nobody from the United Kingdom, without any reflection on his ability, could adequately represent Australasia, owing to the different environment.