AN IMPORTANT MEETING

Hokitika Guardian, 29 August 1929, Page 6

AN IMPORTANT MEETING

MCDONALD RECEIVES BRITISH DELEGATES.

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright).

(Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 27

It is learned an unprecedented meeting occurred at No. 10 Downing St. this afternoon. It was attended by Premier MacDonald and every available member of the Cabinet and the Dominion High Commissioners and British and Dominion League delegates. It was a virtual Empire Cabinet and one of the first, if not the first ever held, except during the Imperial Conference. The meeting was of first rate importance, but was shrouded in mystery to such an extent that the only intimation that a meeting had been held was the announcement that MacDonald had received the Dominion delegates. No mention was made of the fact that those* present also included Lord Passfield, Lord Alexander, Lord Robert Cecil, and Dr Datton, representing the Foreign Office'. ' There is good reason for believing that the -Irish Free State had a most important role at to-day’s Conference and dropped a bombshell. It is reported to be demanding the right of entirely independent action at the forthcoming League Assembly. It is understood' that attempts were made to overcome the difficulty by, conceding, the Free State’s desire to act independently, but it is hoped only after consultation with other' self governing members of the Empire. It is hoped the usual custom of the British delegation regularly meeting Dominion members during the League session, will be continued, enabling the policies to be confidentially discussed. Any abandonment of such a practice is obviously of the utmost seriousness. Indeed the Free State’s present intracticability constitutes of gravest threats to' Imperial accord. Apparently those at to-day’s meeting were sworn to the strictest secrecy and would not offer information. Official circles are likewise reticient. The Conference lasted over two •hours and no decision was reached. Tt will be resumed at Geneva on Sunday when Mr MacDonald meets the British delegation and chief Dominion delegates.