IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 5 November 1930, Page 5

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

IMPORTANT CONCLUSIONS. $ (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright;. (Received this day at 1.5 p.m.) LONDON, November 4. Important conclusions are now beginning to emerge from the month's 7 discussions of the Coi.ferenee comnnttees.

One outstanding interest to Australia relates to the method of tendering advice to the King on the appointment of a Governor-General. In this connection it may be inferred from Mr Scullin’s inaction in relation to the Australian vacancy since the first audience with His .Majesty, that he is waiting for the S' an key Committee decision to bo endorsed by tbc Conference at the plenary session before tendering advice on a succession to Lord Stonehaven. Another matter of direct interest to Australia has been a keen debate by the Economic Co-operation Committee in favour of retaining the existing preferences.

Heads of delegations notably Messrs Moloney and Stevens, at the last two meetings alluded to Mr Snowden’s House of Commons declaration in favour of wiping out all preferences to Britain, which were worth nine million sterling yearly, compared with two millions they enjoyed at the hands of Bi itn'n. It is urged that Britain’s fnv (Hired position with Australia was just ns much worth retaining as Australia’s advantage to Britain if an extension thereof could not he entertained. It was significant that every Dominion supported the Australian and Canadian argument, Britain’s decision on which is not revealed.

RESULTS COMMENTED ON

LONDON. Nov. 4

Similarly, Britain’s attitude to the

wheat quota is still awaited, though Canada' and Australia last week had every reason to lielieve the figures previously cabled were Britain's views It can be said that both Canada and Australia asked for percentage of something over 60, obviously as a, 'bargaining margin, while Britain talked around the figure 50. However they have not abandoned a compromise and 55 will be accepted. Forecasts from reliable quarters from the beginning of the Conference have been that the only economic results would be the wheat quota, ai;d the creation of an economic secretary, but it understood the secretary idea has' been rejected.

There is a strong, but not unanimous Dominion feeling against the creation of another permanent body, involving a high salaried executive. It w«a argued that there were sufficient experts at the Imperial EconomicCommittee, and Empire Marketing Board to divide between them the constant watch on the Empire’s economic affairs,

This view is most likely to prevail. Pious hopes of the civil aviation committee that an A n ßl°-d.fi'ican regular air mail service would soon be followed by an extension of the Indian service to Australia has received little encouragement. It is understood the Australian delegates indicated that owing to the present financial stress there was little hope of Australia taking immediate action. Something may arise after the Conference from a new modest proposal, omitting the present idea of a costly suibsidy.

The chief hope at present is that something will lie done to link Karachi and Colombo bv air, time saving ten days transit to Australia.