IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 5 August 1926, Page 3

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.]

MELBOURNE, Aug. 4

The -House of Representatives is discussing Mr Bruce’s motion for printing the Imperial Conference Agenda. Mr Charlton objected to Air Bruce’s suggestion that the existing state of affairs as regards the relations between Australia and Britain should be altered to extend to a Dominion voice in foreign affairs. He did not think such a change would be, in the interests, either for the Empire or the Dominions, and it 'would mean if Britain went to war, Australia would be compelled to take part. His point was that the people of Australia should he permitted to decide the question. The' Labour Party stood for the Australian Foreign Policy being developed in the light of day. It was determined to up hold the rights that belonged to the Nation and support the self-de-termination as tho heritage of all men of all lands. Referring to the League of Nations, Mr Charlton said seven years had passed since the formation of the League, and it had accomplished nothing. Ho was glad to have Mr Bruce’s assurance that Australia would take no steps to ratify the Locarno Treaty until Parliament had made adecision. Australia would not he satisfied in becoming a party to the treaty, as she had never been consulted. If at any time it became necessary for Australia to assist Britain she would •he certain to do so as in the past, blit Australia should not involve herself in European affairs.

Mr Hughes, urged the necessity of the Dominions taking their part in the scheme of Empire defence. One of the responsibilities of unity was defence. When the Empire conferred to consider the question of defence, the. principle that ought to be adopted was that while local defence was the proper 'business of the Dominion concerned, the defence of the Empire was the business of all. A proper basis for the provision of defence lor the Empire should be for a capital levy on the whole population. He favoured the Locarno Pact being ratified. Whether Australia ratified it or not, the consequences would be on its shoulders, because when Britain was at war Australia was also at war. That being the position ho favoured Australia having a. say in determining the foreign policy of Britain. Mr Watt said he believed the Locarno Treaty had been made for good, Abut be was sorry Britain had become “ a guarantor therefore, merely because of her benevolent view of the European politics. She had abandoned her splendid policy of isolation and independence and had become guarantor of „ quarrel between three of the mostpowerful nations in Europe. She thereby placed herself in a most dangerous position without a compensating advantage. Whether any Dominion were consulted or whether it affirmed it or not, it was technically hound to the Locarno Treaty, the moment Britain signed it. ______