The Daily News. TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 1918. THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 August 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 1918. THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

The summary of the proceedings at the concluding meetings of the Imperial Conference should be read with much interest, as the matters dealt with are of considerable importance to all parts of the Empire. The various problems connected with demobilisation very properly formed a subject for discussion, and as it is obviously necessary lo make adequate arrangements before the time for demobilisation arrives, it was a wise step to take in appointing a committee of representatives of the military authorities of the Dominions and Colonies, the War offices,, the India office and the British Ministry of Shipping to inquire into and report on the matter to all the Governments concerned. The framing of a simple, workable ischeme-will certainly take time and in■volve- -considerable organising ability, so ,-as to avoid chaos and hardship. a tvast quantity of information will have to be gathered and tabulated before the problem can be worked out,,-ibut if ithis Military Bo- ..uition Committee acts on the right lines-iand there is an absence of friction between the departments concerned it will -be possible? fto demobilise and transport 'tho troops io their destination with almost tha wherewith a- military movc.ment ; is»<!arrißd out>under expert snper.vision. It is sttQsfacbory, especially ■so far- as Tar,anaiki is concerned, thai [the,..subject--of petHdeum .ami its pi»~{A liWSm-i

portance of the development of ademjalc supplies of petroleum cannot be over-estimated as it affects military, naval and industrial work. After the war there is every probability of aeroplanes being extensively used for niinieroua puipo. es in national life am! the rises of petroleum and its product.! become greater every year, while the expansion of this power generator is only limited by the supply. In the face of the resolution passed by the Conference it would seem to be the manifest duty of the New Zealand Government to at once take in hand the development of the petroleum industry seriously and fully, otherwise the Dominion will not be giving that assistance to the Empire which is regarded as essential to its future. It is quite time tliat this valuable industry was placed on a satisfactory footing, and, as the Government is virtually pledged to action, it is to be hoped that no time will'beJost.in getting to ivork both. in developing .the output of petroleum and that of iron. Although the question of dealing with the naturalisation of citizens of present enemy countries after the war apparently presents no difficulties there is plenty of room for differences of opinion .on the subject, but it is satisfactory to find that the opinion .of the majority of the members lof tho Conference was favorable to •legislaiion.-restricting for a period after 'the war the naturalisation of such people in».any ,part,'Of the Empire. It will ;'bc seen that Canada did not vote on .this matter and that the South African delegates dissented, but there can be .no doubt that the decision of the majority accords with the sentiments of < Australasia, at any rate. It mighti even be advisable after the war to repatriate all enemy aliens except those ; wlio have proved themselves loyal to the Empire. The decision to hold a special conference to examine and report on any question connected with -idle nationality or naturalisation that .'any Government represented at such, conference may raise, open the door for dealing with many matters connected with aliens and may lead to important results. Another serious problem was'also tackled, namely, reciprocity of treatment between India and the Do•minions. The principle of reciprocity ;was accepted at last year's conference, and it was decided to give effect to that resolution. The part India has taken in tho war has evoked the admiration and gratitude of the-rest «f the Empire, while the proposed institution of modified self-government in India brings that country into closer relationship with the self-governing Dominions. The question of color has in tho past been surrounded with prejudice that is hard to eliminate, ibut Japan, India and even China can now claim that their goodwill and valuable services in a time of unprecedented stress entitles them to be regarded aa white at heart and worthy of being treated as friends. The proposal to replace tho present dual system of appeal by constituting an Imperial Appellate. Court is long overdue, and it is to be hoped that the Lord Chancellor will be able to propound a scheme that will be satisfactory to all concerned. The judges attached to this court will need special qualifications and training, but there is no in- ' superable difficulty in carrying out the innovation or, in the course of time, securing judges not only thoroughly fitted for the work but commanding the confidence of the whole Empire. The control of raw materials and the provision of a satisfactory shipping service between all parts of the world deservedly •occupied the attention of the conference, 'for they touch on the life blood of the Empire's trade and commerce. By ascertaining tho needs and resources of tho Empire and by securing cheap, freights and an adequate service of vessels liaving tho necessary equipment for transporting all kinds of produce the best interests of the Motherland (.and the Dominions will be secured. Thet methods proposed by tho conference arcsound and practical. The delegates have evidently given much thought to the various questions dealt with, and the conference deserves the congratulations of the Empire on having donevery important-.work. in. a statesmanlike., manner.