THE PREMIERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 June 1921, Page 5

THE PREMIERS.

WORK OF THE CONFERENCE. debate in the commons. BRITAIN’S POLICY OUTLINED. »Z Talipipb.— Press Assn Copyright Received June 19. 5.5 p.m. . London, June 18. in House of Commons, Sir John Davidson opened a discussion on the Imperial Conference. He emphasised the need for fostering good relations between Britain and the Dominions and setting a good_ example to the world. The question of Imperial defence should be dealt with in the best way to secure concerted action without infringing on the principles of freedom and autonomy. Armaments competitions had been begun, and if allowed to pass a certain point would inevitably result in war. It was absolutely essential that the whole Far Eastern question should be reviewed. Sir Samuel Hoare said Anglo-Ameri-can friendship must be the basis for our world policy. The Anglo-Japanese alliance should be considered by the Imperial Prime Ministers from every viewpoint as publick' as possible, and* if the alliance is renewed it must be modified to meet the just demands of China and, as far as possible, American objection. Racial questions and disarmament could be far more effectually approached by holding a conference of all the Powers interested in the Pacific. SEPARATE NAVIES. Sir John Rees hoped the Indian representatives would have an opportunity of urging the freedom and status of Indians throughout the Empire. General Townshend said he would like to see the Dominions no longer contributing money to the fleet but building their own. If this was carried out they would see the Australian fleet policing the Pacific and China seas, a Canadian fleet policing the North Atlantic, and an Indian fleet policing the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, leaving the British fleet in Home waters ready to move to any war theatre. Commander Bellairs questioned whether the Japanese alliance had not helped militarists rather than the liberalising elements in Japan. The latter’s naval personnel was this year greater than the German personnel in 1914, while ours was reduced by thirty thousand. in such circumstances the people of this country should not agree to an alliance with Japan. Sir Kinloch Cooke hoped the principal of an Imperial navy would be laid down at the conference, or a navy founded upon the Imperial system. We must also have an Imperial policy of migration within the Empire. General Sir A. Hunter Weston remarked that without an adequate system of defence it would be impossible for the Empire to exist. BRITAIK’S ATTITUDE. Mr. Austen Chamberlain (leader of the House) made it clear that a responsible Minister who would be a member of the conference must not prejudge the decisions of the conference, and the Government would enter the conference without any cut and dried agenda. If the Dominions desired, and could find time to discuss other questions, they would find the British representative willing. As to the question of defence it was the Government’s desire to promote as far as possible the co-ordination of the military, naval and air forces of the Empire so as to enable them, where the consent of their respective authoi*.ties was obtained, to co-ordinate most quickly and effectively with the greatest prospect of success in war time. Any assistance which the Government couM render would be cheerfully and gladly given. Continuing, Mr. Chamberlain eaid he thought it right to say, in regard to the Anglo-Japanese treaty, that the Government would be no party to an alliance against America, or by which we could be called upon to act against the United States, but he. would not say that any continuance of the Anglo-Japanese alliance in a modified form was not possible. He did not believe the treaty would give rise to any real apprehension amongst the governing authorities in America. It would always be a cardinal feature of British policy to cultivate good relations with America. He entirely agreed that new competition in armaments between Britain and America would be not merely a tragedy to both countries, but to civilisation. The House then adjourned.— Cable Assn.

CONFERENCE OPENS TO-DAY. HEAVY AGENDA OF BUSINESS. IMPORTANT MATTERS INVOLVED. Received June 20, 1.30 a.m. London, June 18. The first meeting of the Imperial Conference will not be productive. The order of business and the method of procedure promises to provide discussion for practically the whole day and the agenda may have many subjects added that will never be referred to later. The subjects listed so far arjr the 'Anglo-Japanese treaty renewal, foreign policy, Empire naval and military defence, communications, choosing the official name, the question of a permanent Secretariat, the position of Indians in the Colonies, the Dominions’ tariffs as affecting the Dominions and Britain, immigration and the preliminary arrangements for a constitutional conference next year. It is known that the Irtish and Australian delegates are anxious to put naval defence in the forefront on the business paper, but some of the other Dominion representatives are just as determined it should be kept in the background and side-tracked if possible. The indications are that the Japanese treaty will be dealt with first and probably the whole of this week’s debating time will be taken up with it. One thing is now considered certain and that ig that the “white Australia” policy will be accepted as axiomatic. Mr. Lloyd George will deliver an address of welcome. He will preside throughout and will be supported by Mr. Austen Chamberlain an* 1 other Minister*. The sitting is expected to be confined to three days a. week. There will be no set speeches and no verbatim record will be kept of the discussion, but a summary will be prepared by a special committee each day. This will not be circulated until all the delegates agree that it is well balanced and correct.— Ana.-N2. Cable Assn*