IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 October 1923, Page 2

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLK ASSOCIATION AYANT AIORE PREFERENCE. LONDON, Oct, 3. In dealing with Imperial preference in his speech at the opening of the Economic Conference, Sir P. Lloyd Graeme expressed Britain’s appreciation of the preference received from the Dominions. lie said: “We. for our part, had definitely established tho principle in our more limited fiscal system. and wished to apply it within a practicable scope, in order to stimulate still further the development of Imperial resources. Any increase the Dominions are able to make iu the rate of preference would be of real value. We, for nur own part, should certainly approach the question of preference with a strong desire to increase mutual trade, and be readv and willing to take what action may he possible to secure that end.” LONDON, Oct. 3. The “Westminster Gazette” says:— Sir P. Lloyd Graeme plumped the Protectionist proposal Ini-an extension ot Imperial prcieroncc right into the torefiout of the conference. It is by monkey tricks with preference that the Protectionists hone to got what they want, without violating Mr Bonar Law's pledge not to change the fiscal policy during the life of the present Parliament. The Dominions’ Ministers are reputed to favour the proceedings of H.o Economic Conference being open to the Press. The question is bound to arise as to why. if the Economic Conference is open, the Imperial Conference is not also open. Tho fullest publicity is certainly needed.

LABOUR COAIMEXT

LONDON. Oct. 3.

The “Daily Herald’s” political correspondent says: “According to Downing Street's original plan, the Premiers were to have Wt the Economic Conference to subordinate Ministers, while I 1,0- discussed foreign policy, and so forth in the Imperial Conference, but when the Premiers learnt that the two conferences were to sit simultaneously, they objected. Thus the conference is sit ting on alternate days. The Premiers will a tend. Sumo doubtless are keener cn matters economic than others. Some dominions have never abandoned the old Chamherlainito policy of preference. They recognise that the lories are Protectionists at heart. They know Air Baldwin’s sympathies. ilow lar will tho Protectionists ho ;ihlo to clra** the Baldwin Ciovernmont ? If they clny? it the whole wav. it would he Mr Baldwin’s duty to dissolve, and seek a fresh mandate. PRESS COMMENT. LONDON, Oct. 3. The “Daily Telegraph” says: “J lie note struck at the outset of the ReOx munic Conference is regarded by tli-J visitors as excellent, (treat hopes aie entertained that the deliberations will hi fruitful of practical results. Sir 1 . Lloyd-Grcame made it plain the Home Government was prepared for a lull, frank discussion on preference. I here was a hint of what is in the minds of many when lie spoke ol establishing some means of lacilitating. both loi Governments and for producers, and trailers, the hatter pursuit of a common There is every likelihood the conference will, in due course, be invited to express its opinion upon the proposal ill establishing an Empire Economic. Council "hieli will he constantly engaged in the consideration ol matters affecling the development of the trade resources of the Empire as a whole.” The “.Morning Post” savs: “It is true Sir R. l.lovd-Greame speaks ot a Fold policy, but webp you yomc to con- . sider his proposals, they boil down, like spinach, into a small compass. J! is sen--1,., ues at preference were vague and **• non-committal.”

DEVELOPMENT OF RESOURCES URGED. • Received this day at !).0 a.m.) lON DON. October 3. Sir Philip Lloyd Graeme dwelt on the urgency of Britain developing new markets overseas and .said that the needs of Britain and the Dominion colonies were complementary and the problem was to anticipate’the development of the Empire now at its time of greatest need. The item in this problem, acceleration of development, was largely a question of finance. The conference must work out a schemeof credit facilities, financial co-opera-tion. and Empire settlement on the fiircest" scale possible. It was as important to Britain as to the Dominions. He concluded by suggesting the establishment of an advisory or a consultative hotly to discuss matters arising out of the decisions ol tho Conference and action to give effect thereto.

My Dines xliresycnl India’s almost limitless potentialities as a market. He pointed out that she, in iho last three years, bought from the- 1 nited Kingdom as much as Canada, Australia, and South Africa combined. General Smuts denied the existence of a conspiracy on the part of D Dominions to attack Britain’s fiscal policy, but. be contended, Britain could give much additional preference on i number of articles and assist tremendously in developing tbe Empire’s lesources without departing from her settled fiscal policy of not imposing duon essential raw materials and foodstuffs. Ho intimated tbe willingness of South Africa to reshape her policy in order to make preference mutually more beneficial. He urged the importance of developing the Afn'can Continent which was capable of producing practically all the raw materials Britain needed. Ic would amply repay tbe capital invested. lie finally expressed a doubt regarding tbe suggested establishment <f further consultative machinery.