IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 30 December 1916, Page 6

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

PRESS OPINION. I ; LONDON, Dec. 27. The "Manchester Guardian" says: What impresses one most about the invitation to the Dominion Premiers as the energy and prompt ade displayed during the month, sia.-e the small war Cabinet was initiated. It is only a week since Mr 1 k*<» (Vtturgii un»ii*s his first speech as Premier and already tlie invi " tation has gone forth. It is hoped that the first meetings will take place at the end of February, which will necessitate distant Premiers packing their boxes immediately. This rapidity of decision and promptness to act are supreme virtues, and argue well for the future. Already the decision to hold an Imperial Conference has begun to sprout under the influence of current events. The "Manchester Guardian" concludes with the hope that the conference will discuss the Irish question . The "Star" comments that the convening of an Empire War Council directly bears on peace, indicating clearly that the Allies regard seriously Germany's conference proposals. There is considerable satisfaction in political clubs at the announcement that the Imperial Conference will be really a special War Council, bringing the whole Empire into closer touch with the facts of the conflict and the conditions which must be achieved before peace. It is understood Mr. Bonar Law is responsible for the immediate summoning of the Conference. He pressed the proposals strongly on Mr Asquith. The "Daily Chronicle," commenting on the Conference, says: The Dominions have richly merited this recognition. There is something sublime in the sheer nobility of their freewill war offerings, but, Under the existing system, the Deminions might be dragged by inept British statesmanship into a war with which the Dominions were not concerned. Our political machinery must be adopted to give them a voice in shaping Imperial policy. Newspapers hope that an Irish settlement will be a by-product of the epochmaking conference. Sir Joseph Ward said: It is believed that Mr Lloyd George is inclined to go much farther than Mr Asquith in Imperial affairs, particularly in regard to the forthcoming Conference the start-ing-point for a permanent Empire Council. ME HUGHES' INTENTIONS MELBOUENE, Dec. 28. Mr. Hughes preserves strict silence regarding his intention to attend the Imperial Conference. The Senate elections are due, but may be postponed for several months. It is understood Mr Hughes will be free to leave in the middle of January.