FUTURE OF PACIFIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 September 1921, Page 5

FUTURE OF PACIFIC.

VITAL TO AUSTRALASIA. MEETING OF NATIONS. NEED FOR PUBLICITY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Sept. 16, 7.25 p.m. Melbourne, Sept. 16. Politicians are agitated over the question of the Washington Conference, and there is a strongly voiced opinion that the interests of Australia and New Zealand in the Pacific are most important, and their views should be expressed at the conference. Opinion is, however, divided on the matter of representation. It is urged on one hand that the representative of the Dominion, especially the Prime Minister, should not be subordinate to an Imperial Minister, or should have any less status than other delegates. He should hold a rank by which he could exercise the authority of a full member of the conference. On the other hand, it is claimed that the Australasian interests are safe in the hands of the representatives of the Imperial Government, and that there is no need to send anybody from Australia. Strong opposition is also expressed to Mr. W. M. Hughes (the Federal Premier) again leaving the Commonwealth for a lengthy period, after his protracted absence in London, thereby further hanging up urgent domestic affairs. Whether Mr. Hughes has any tentative plan or understanding with Mr. Lloyd George which would enable him to be included in the conference as an Imperial delegate is not known. The whole matter of the conference remains in abeyance till his return. Lord Northciiffe, speaking at a reception given by the Journalists’ Association, urged that it was essential that publicity should be given to the proceedings of the Washington Conference. He hoped the Australian newspapers would be able to obtain the information necessary to follow proceedings so momentous to Australasia. If he were an Australian or a New Zealander he would be a little uncertain of the future, for he was sure that unless the conference was an absolute success this might not be the land of freedom and plenty that it was to-day.—Aus.-N-Z. Cable Assn.