SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1921. The Daily News. REVIEW OF PREMIERS’ CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 October 1921, Page 4

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1921. The Daily News. REVIEW OF PREMIERS’ CONFERENCE.

In giving an account of his stewardship as representing the Dominion at the recent conference of Empire Premiers in London, Mr. Massey was able to emphasise the unity and solidarity of the whole of the Dominions, India and the forty-three Crown Colonies, his guarded reference to Egypt being fully justified. An outstanding result of this Conference is, in Mr. Massey’s opinion, that the foundation has been laid of a united Empire which, it is hoped, will last for all time. The realisation by all the delegates to the conference of the full meaning of this vast federation of peoples, including one hundred million inhabitants of mostly tropical countries, is of itself a great achievement as regards loyalty to one King and one Empire—the largest an§ most cohesive union the world has ever known. In the main, Mr. Massey’s statement contained little besides what was already known, though his references to finance and naval defence introduced new features. He is not alone in wondering why efforts have not been made to induce America to take over sufficient of the one thousand and thirty millions owing by France and Italy to Britain, and so wipe out the nine hundred and forty-eight millions sterling owing by Britain to America. Such an arrangement would certainly help to readjust the exchange difficulty and would be advantageous to Britain, but whether it would be beneficial to America is another matter. Probably if Mr. Massey viewed this proposal from an American standpoint he would be inclined to let matters remain as they are, for Britain’s name at the foot of the promissory note is undoubtedly better security than would bu the signatures of France and Italy; who, knowing Britain’s sbftheartedness, would sooner trust tH her tender mercies than t.p AineiS, ica’s business methods. Confirm-; ing the Navy, Mr. Massey fifths it impossible to rid himself ,oi Aje fear that. Britain may third-rate Naval Power. phrase this third-rate business M eatehy, but as a reality it has no meaning, though it so got on the nerves of the conference that tiie latter decided to back up a suggestion made in the House of Commons that four keels be laid down. Reading between the lines, it would almost seem that the four Dominions—Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand —had intimated to the Home Government that sooner than run the risk of the Empire's Navy becoming second to that of any other Power, the Dominions might become responsible for four new battleships, the cost of which should be a first charge on the German reparations fund. Probably the matter was not settled in that way, but unless a most curious coincidence has arisen, the inference is that some such understanding was at the back of the minds of the Dominions’ Premiers. Apparently the reparations money will be earmarked for naval purposes, and it is as well that this faet—at present only an inference—should be made flear in order that false hopes of utilising it for public works or development purposes may be dissipated. Mr. Massey is confident, that the people of New Zealand will do their duty towards the Empire’s Navy, and that confidence is well founded, but under the specially unfavorable financial conditions that at present exist, it would be a wise and safe policy to allow reasonable breathing time before undertaking that fair and absolute duty so far as large additional burdens are concerned. If the Disarmament Conference is the success that all hope it will be, then the naval position will be materially altered. It is pleasing to note that Mr. Mas- > sey has discarded his previous opinion as to a local navy, and has recast it in favor of a “generous” contribution to the Empire Navy. He can now approach the question on the right lines, and it would seem that Australia may do like wise, even if her present warships are not scrapped. Although the Premier made no definite statement concerning the Dominion’s possible policy relative to the wirelless chain for the whole Empire. I »ud on the subject of aviation, it

may be assumed that both these iniportant matters will sooner or later be under review and will require the co-operation of the Dominion. In speaking on the question of the Anglo-Japanese alliance, the continuation of which he favored, Mr. Massey paid a generous and well-merited tribute to the loyal way in which Japan acted towards Britain during the last two decades, and particularly during the late war. Moreover, he Considered it would be a disaster if circumstances should arise to deprive Britain of Japan’s friendship. If the Governments of the bear this in mind, and refrain ffiom alienating Japanese friendship, there will be no disaster, so that the inference is obvious. There are many lessons to be derived from the conference, the greatest of all being the need for loyalty and unity, and in upholding this essential of the Empire, Mr. Massey is as firm and zealous as could be wished. His review of the Conference will pass into history, and his worthy representation of New Zealand will be acknowledged by all.