THE EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 April 1921, Page 5

THE EMPIRE.

AN IMPERIAL EXECUTIVE. SCHEME NOT APPROVED. MB. MASSEY UNSUPPORTED. By Telegraph —Press Asan.—Copyright. • Received April 11, 5.5 p.m. London,* Ap- ! 11. The Times, in a leader, says Mr. Massey’s advocacy of the Empire constitution of an Imperial Executive is not shared by other Dominions. Mr. W. M. Hughes (Australia), and Mr. Meizhen (Canada) both firmly and decisively contradict the allegations that Australia and Canada intend asking for any change in the Imperial system. General Smuts (South Africa) is equally opposed to any tendency towards Imperial federation. Mr. Winstone Churchill (Secretary foi the Colonies) is extremely unlikely to give Mr. Massey’s views any approval. The Times urges Mr. Churchill to take an early opportunity to announce his own intentions, as Colonial Secretary, to correct misapprehensions regarding the work of the June Conference. The Times adds that the Dominions* confidence in the Colonial Office has been rudely shaken by the frequent changes, particularly Mr. Churchill’s appointment. Dominion opinion seems to regard him as autocratic, restless and immensely ambitious, planning schemes of Imperial reorganisation and intending to spring these on the Dominion statesmen. Although such misgivings are without substantial justification, Mr. Churchill should make an authoritative statement, as even the date of the conference is Sot known.—Times Service.