THE PARIS CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 June 1916, Page 5

THE PARIS CONFERENCE.

BRITAIN MUST LEAD. THE OPINION OF MR. HUGHES By Cable.—Press Association—Copyright Received June 21, 8.5 p.m. | V.0./'on, "une 20. Mr. Hughes, commenting on the decision arrived at by the Paris Confercues, said that resolutions were unanimously adopted to cover the war, and ihe ru"o:-"i]uent transition period, on a basis of a.sound and practicable economic policy. The potential effects are almost infinite, and indicate the way by which the great rivers of commerce can be diverted from German channels, and will provide facilities for developing the great resources of the Allies. Also, they will secure and control raw materials, so as to enable the Allies to meet Germany, at least- on equal terms, in the markets of the world. If the Allied Governments ratify the resolutions, this will materially affect or change the relations and economic arrangements of six hundred millions of the world's inhabitants, but the Powers must act immediately, and this specially applies to Britain to lead the. way and put the breath of life into a "drybones agreement." Some of the Allies, before the war, were so completely enmeshed in Germany's toils that they had lost all but the shadow .of their nationality, and even now they were obsessed by the fear that peace would find them again in the enemy's economic grip. The Allies must not look to Britain in vain. PRESS opinions; Received June 21, 9.25 p.m. London, June 21. The Daily Telegraph states that the Britishers' welcome to the Economic Conference was on broad principles which were entirely devoid of mawkish sentimentality for Germany. The British representatives will not be satisfied unless Mr. Asquith's pledges are given effect to without loss of time. The Daily Mail says that as far as words go the Conference's proposals are perfectly .satisfactory They generally embody Mr. Hughes' views. The Morning Post says that if Britain I declines to accept the Conference's suggestions she will frustrate the whole intention of the Conference.

The Daily News counsels neither delay nor haste. It is wise to note that a resolution is for the provision of encouragement of technical and scientific research, which has been the main cause of Germany's success, rather than the tariff, and adds:—"lt was free trade which enabled England to bear the strain of this war."