MR BRUCE’S POLICY

Hokitika Guardian, 4 August 1926, Page 1

MR BRUCE’S POLICY

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.'] AIELBOURNE, Aug. 3. In the House of Representatives, Air Bruce (Premier) made a statement on the Imperial. Conference. Referring to the new status of the Dominions, he said: “It would he an immeasurable catastrophe if anything now occurred which destroyed the unity achieved by our common sacrifices.” Looking at the new responsibilities involved, the vast majority of Australians were agreed that they had no desire to possess tlie freedom that was being advocated by some quarters for tlie revision of the whole of tho imperial relation, and for the new doctrines implied in that demand. Australia’s task, he said, was now rather to ensure effective eonsulation regarding the obligations which their membership of a wider whole normally imposed them. Discussing Australia’s position in regard to the Locarno Treaty, ho said :

“A\ r c could not remain neutral in the event of a guarantee given by Britain, over being called into play, hut the Government, at present, does not propose to submit to Parliament a resolution either approving or disapproving of the ratification of the Locarno Treaty of Mutual Guarantee.” As, at tlie Imperial Conference, the question of the attitude of the Dominions to that treaty would ho discussed, he asked the House to consider this question, but not to come to a decision, at the same time giving the House an undertaking that .he would , not commit Australia to the ratification of tho treaty until its representatives had approved of such notification.

He concluded by saying that ho ivmild most strongly urge at the Imperial Conference that the construction of the Singapore Naval Base should he proceeded with, and in coming to this decision, he pointed out that Australia was not recreant of his expressed determination to do everything to promote world disarmament, as the true purpose of the Singapore project was purely a defensive one.