EMPIRE DEFENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 June 1921, Page 5

EMPIRE DEFENCE.

PREMIERS DISAGREE-

ANGLO-JAPANESE ALLIANCE-* OPPOSITION FROM CANADA? By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, June 15. A definite line of cleavage is developing already in connection with the Imperial conference. Mr. A. Meighan (Premier of Canada) is pledged to urge the conference to defer the discussion of defence matters until the international situation is clearer and until naval experts have formulated definite proposals. General Smuts (Premier of South Africa) supports Mr. Meighan, with modifications; Mr. W. F. Massey (Premier of New Zealand) and Mr. W. M. Hughes (Premier of Australia) both, armed with Lord Jellicoe’s report, strongly deprecate delay and will insist on defence being one of the first questions considered. Ottawa, June 16. The following cable has been received from London: Mr. Meighen, Premier of Canada, will throw his whole weight against the renewal of the Anglo-Jap-anese Alliance, because no vital Empire interest is involved. He maintains that the reasons which made the treaty' necessary in 1911 have since disappeared. The renewal would be regarded as a challenge to the United States, and the formation of a special alliance is antagonistic to the spirit of the times and the endeavors of the world for disarmament in order to secure peace. Incidentally Mr. Meighen will urge the Imperial Conference to postpone the question of naval defence until the next Constitutional Conference or till the international situation has cleared. Mr. Meighen will argue that the best protection for Australia is showing the world that good relationship and understanding exists between the Empire and the United States. Should he fail to have the alliance renounced, Mr. Meighen will ask for the insertion of a clause exempting Canada from its provisions until the Dominion Parliament accepts it.