PACIFIC CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 August 1921, Page 5

PACIFIC CONFERENCE.

NEW PHASES DAILY, NO DECISIONS YET. BRITAIN’S SINGLE VOTE. By Telegraph-—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received July 31, 5.5 p.m, London, July 29. The prospects for the Pacific Conference are still puzzling experts and politicians, and the most perplexed are the Prime Ministers. New phases present themselves daily, adding complexity.' Though secrets are well kept, judging from the demeanours of the Dominion delegates and other signs, it is safe to say at present that the position is that only one representative of the British Empire is likely to sit at the conference table, but the circumstances are kaleidoscoping so rapidly that the outlook may change next week, when finality is expected. One of the Prime Ministers to-day said: “I am lost in confusion; I really don’t know where I am” Meanwhile, Mr. A. Meighan has departed, and General Smuts will be off in a few days. Mr. W. M. Hughes has inquired whether it would be possible to book by the Niagara if it is necessary to return through America. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. OPINION IN JAPAN. TWO CONFERENCES SUGGESTED. Received July 31, 5.5 p.m. Tokio, July 29. Some opinion favors the Pacific Confermce being held in London instead of jVatoington. or alternatively that a Pacific conference be held in London and a diFirmament conference at Washington. M. Elara (the Premier) will attend if Mr. U(jyd George does.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PRELIMINARY MEETING. OPPOSED BY AMERICA. Washington. July 29. It ie understood that Mr. Hughca (Secretary of State) has informed Sir Auckland Geddes (British Ambassador) finally that America is opposed to proposals for a preliminary conference to the disarmament conference on the ground than it wou’d cause the indefinite postponement of the disarmament discussion, and would disappoint the public, which is anxious for progress in the disarmament movement. America feels that the W aahington Conference would hinge on the success of the preliminary conference. Mr. Hugnee sympathises with the position of the Dominion Premiers who favor a preliminary conference, so that they could attend en route home, consequently it ,is understood that he has intimated that America is willing to held the conference early in October or late in September America is not opposed to informal conversation with the Premiers as they pees through. •