IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Taranaki Daily News, 17 November 1926, Page 9

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

PROBLEMS OF DEFENCE ATTITUDE OF DOMINIONS CONSULTATION METHODS IMPROVEMENTS SOUGHT By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Nov. 15. For the first time since the opening of the conference the placid waters have become a little ruffled. To-day’s plenary session was marked by a little plain speaking. “Crisp talk” was the term applied to a candid interchange which is understood to have occurred during Mr. Bruce’s speech on Imperial defence. How important the debate was considered was revealed not only by the conference’s decision to withhold any public announcement till the verbatim transcript ha's been closely scrutinised for the selection of a general outline, but by a private admission that the communique will be heavily censored. From what can be gathered the incident arose over a discussion as to the extent to which the Dominions should share Britain’s naval burden. One Dominion representative’s comment across the table raised the whole question of the scope of Imperial relations as the governing consideration in responsibility for defence. It is hinted that the upshot was a clinching of the fact of the Empire’s inevitable interdependence from the standpoints of economics, trade and defence, and that almost unanimous recognition thereof diverted the discussion into an examination of a declaration of policy which will not carry the appearance of a written constitution. One well-informed channel went so far as to say: “I think we have got it all right.” From the same quarter it was hinted that something was likely to be decided to-morrow setting out the Empire policy on foreign treaties. It will be of a rather inoccuous character, but will appease those timid about• the involvement of Continental complications. It is most probable that all major subjects will reach a definite stage on Friday. The week-end will be devoted to drafting decisions or statements. The conference may conclude on November 23. The unexpected duration of the conference has caused a recasting and curtailment of Mr. Bruce's movements. DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE. Mr. Bruce’s speech on defence was the longest and most direct of all the Dominion Prime Ministers. It is understood that he examined in detail the position in the Pacific and repeated his declaration that Australia had regarded Singapore as an integral part of her defence system. He went on to point out that the jettisoning of the Singapore scheme by the Labour Ministry had changed the whole of Australia's defence policy and affected her position in responding to the Imperial suggestion that the Dominions should bear a larger share of the cost of the Empire’s defence; because, in the face of much criticism, she placed orders for two Washington cruisers and two submarines. These, added to the existing Australian fleet, constituted the largest contribution to the Royal Navy. It is gathered that New Zealand and India are willing to give material assistance, but consideration of the scale of cash contributions has not yet been reached.

The discussion on defence, inter-im-perial relations and foreign affairs, lias created a unanimous insistence for improved methods of consultation. • Australia’s liaison system with the Foreign Office often cropped up as an example of closer contact, but the desire appears to be for so: lething even more direct. Australia’s system is regarded as experimental, as Mr. Bruce admits it was intended to be. The delegates, so far, have not settled on any plan, though the enlargement of the responsibilities of the High Commissioners, or the appointment of special accredited officials of high status are amongst the suggestions considered. “We are hammering this and other things affecting our relationships, and should have them all straightened out in a day or two,” was an assurance given tonight. It is also suggested that agreement in regard to the Privy Council will eliminate corporation and criminal cases from its jurisdiction, leaving only constitutional issues therein. If such an agreement is accepted, the Irish Free State gains its object of unfettered control of its own judicature. POLLUTION OF WATERS. CUSTOMS AND SHIPPING. Received Nov. 16, 7.30 p.m. London, Nov. 15. The report of the general economic subcommittee on oil pollution, which was adopted by the Imperial Conference, advocates the Empire Governments’ adoption of the recommendations of the Washington Conference. The report states: “It seems necessary that some of the Dominions should exercise the option of extending areas to 150 nautical miles from the coast.” The sub-con*mittee welcomes the prospect of wider adoption inter-Imperially and internationally of the .Brussels rules covering bills of lading, and conanends the Brussels convention# relating to the limitation of shipowners’ liability for maritime mortgages and liens to the consideration of the-Governments throughout the Empire. The sub-committee discussed the exclusion of drawbacks m the valuation of goods for customs purposes, and generally agreed that several points might be considered. Regarding special or dumping duties, it is understood that the responsible authorities will examine the subject. It was the general opinion that it was desirable to maintain the Imperial Shipping Committee on its present basis. TWELFTH PLENARY SESSION. NO REPORT ISSUED. Received Nov. 16, 7.40 p.m. London, Nov. 15. The twelfth plenary Imperial Conference has concluded a general discussion on Empire defence, but the resolution stage was not reached. Messrs. Mackenzie King. Bruce, Coates, Monroe, Havenga and O'Higgens, and the Maharajah of B'urdwan made speeches, but

the conference decided for the present not to issue any report for publication. All the delegates spoke most appreciatively of the arrangements for the recent naval, aerial and tank demonstrations. The conference to-day adopted the committees’ reports on the oil pollution of navigible waters, the unification of rules relating to bills of lading, conventions covering the limitation of shipowners’ liability and maritime mortgages and liens, valuation of goods for customs purposes, and in regard to the Imperial Shipping Committee. The Overseas Settlement ComYnittee, after a wide field of inquiry by sub-com-mittees which have examined in great detail the migration possibilities in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, expects to complete its report to-morrow. The Economic Committee has concluded its consideration of the film question and is nearing the end of its business. The Imperial Relations Committee sat again to-day. Members of the conference go to Cardington on Wednesday to inspect a new airship. The next plenary meeting will be held on Thursday.