Premiers Confer

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18140, 3 October 1930, Page 7

Premiers Confer

DELEGATES’ TASK.

MR MACDONALD’S SPEECH.

ARMAMENTS AND PEACE.

United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, Ootober 2. In his speech at the opening of the conference, Mr MacDonald referred to the fact that four of his fellow Prime Ministers, like himself, were attending their first meeting of the Imperial Conference. He paid a tribute to the work done at the 192 b conference by some whom they missed that day—the late Lord Balfour, whose name always would be associated with the report of the Inter-Imperial Relations Committee of that conference, the late Mr O’Higgins, to whose keen and vigorous intellect the deliberations of the last conference owed much, and the late Lord Birkenhead, whose death had occurred on the previous day. Legal Struoture of Empire. It was now the delegates* task to consider, upon the basis of their experience, how to give practical effect to the declarations of the 1926 conference. In order to prepare for their work, the existing legal structure of the Empire had to be examined to see what modifications and adaptations were required to bring it into accord with those declarations. This had been done with care and thoroughness by a special conference on the operation of Dominion legislation, whose recommendations the} must consider, never forgetting that behind their work was the thought of building for the future. Whatevei changes of form they might accept they should be guided by the truth that though the form was undoubtedly important it was not the form but the spirit behind the form which mattered. The other two aspects of the agenda indicated most important fields in which their free co-operation might be actively pursued. In the sphere of foreign affairs the great objective was to secure and maintain world peace. , Since 1926 he thought they might point to thfee great steps which they had taken together to that end. ■ The first was the signature of the Paris Peace Pact, which recorded the solemn assent of the chief countries of the world to the principle that war shall no longer be used as an instrument of national policy and that the settlement of disputes shall only be sought by pacific means. Since then they had co-operated in taking a long step toward the- establishment by arbitration as the proper means of settling disputes, by signing the optional clause. Further, in pursuit of a limitation of armaments as a method of preventing war they had this year joined in signing the London Naval Treaty. But there was much still to be done in both fields, in broadening the scope of arbitration arrangements and in securing a fuller and more general limitation of armaments. A Word of Warning.

“ Let us be quite frank about this matter,” continued Mr MacDonald. “ The strength of armaments in the world to-day and the general unwillingness of Governments to advance the cause of secured peace by a reduction of military material, unless it be checked, must soon lead to conditions to which the most pacific of the nations cannot be indifferent. “ The outlook is disquieting, but should that calamity happen it will not be the fault of the British Empire, which, both by precept and example, has shown the, sincerity of its devotion to peace. I am sure that in our discussions we shall be able to find common ground for acting in harmony in pursuit of these aims.”

BANQUET AT GUILDHALL,

MESSAGE TO THE EMPIRE. AFFECTION, GOODWILL, SYMPATHY United Press Assn.—-Elec. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, October 1. Presiding at the Guildhall banquet given by the Royal Empire Society and other patriotic bodies, Prince Arthur of Connaught asked the Prime Ministers to carry home to their people of all parties, classes and creeds, an expression of abiding' and unalterable affetcion, goodwill and sympathy'. Mr Bennett described Guildhall as containing monuments and memorials of those who made the Empire possible. “ In the diversity of the people’s talents and resources lay the real strength of Empire. That diversity we are trying to use to create harmony. Before us lies the task of Empire consolidation. We must think of the Empire as an economic unit. If we but keep faith with one another we can achieve unity. The Empire (is not bankrupt in statecraft. Our steadfast purpose is to do our part in maintaining the Empire’s great place among the peoples of the world.” Mr J. 11. Scullin (Australia) at the Guildhall banquet said they had come to London to work, and they asked to be allowed to do so. There were people who wondered how the nations of the British Empire had kept' together. Onlookers might think there was something dividing them when they were so busy defining status, but the greater the freedom the greater the unity. The silken bonds of kinship were stronger than iron bands, and any attempt to replace the silken threads by iron bands would not help the unity of the Empire. In conclusion, Mr Scullin said: “Let us resolve to build up a greater and more lastipg prosperity for our people. If we cannot find work and organise security for the workers, we have failed to represent the people.” Mr G. W. Forbes (New Zealand) said his mission was the consolidation of the Empire. In this time of difficulty wherein self-help was an important factor, the main problem was that of finding within the Empire profitable markets for the increasing production. Admittedly there were difficulties, hut a family spirit 'of give and lake would overcome them. Advocate of Imperial Co-operation. General Hcrtzog (South Africa) said he had no fault to find with the motive which induced the various societies to entertain them. It was their desire to advance good fellowship and understanding between the different parts of I lie Empire. That desire he fully shared. Tune away co-operation and'nothing would be left of the British Commonwealth but an empty name. Where go.od fellowship existed there was no need to seek co-opera-tion with a divining rod. Before 192 G no good South African Nationalist

could have supported Imperial cooperation. To-day he and other Nationalists stood forth as ‘ advocates of Imperial co-operation. (Cheers.) Mr J. H. Thomas, Secretary of State for the Dominions, summed up, the task of the Conference as that of giving practical effect to the eloquent phrases of the evening. Phrases and perorations did not solve problems. Youth Creates a Scene. Late in the evening an unusual scene was created when a pale youth walked up, and taking a place behind Mr Thomas, shouted: "I’m 21. I have passed through Charterhouse and Cambridge. Solomon prayed for wisdom; I do the same. I am speaking on behalf of humanity and want your help.’’ Cries of “Order! Sit down!" resulted in the attendants leading out the youth, who, as he left the building, stated that he did not represent any movement and did not need personal help. He added: “I’m thinking of my country and want the youth to have a chance.”

LADIES AT THE CONFERENCE. FULL LIST OF ENGAGEMENTS. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright. . LONDON, October 1. The ladies accompanying the delegates to the Imperial Conference are almost overburdened with social engagements. Mrs Scullin has had to refuse all invitations for more than a week ahead. Lady Squires (Newfoundland) says she thinks the delegates’ wives should do more than entertain and be entertained. They might helpfully meet and compare notes of the conditions in the other Dominions. “Women must take a more important share of governing,” she says. Mrs Forbes, on the other hand, thinks woman’s proper place is in the home looking after her family. A specially written prayer for the conference is being offered in West* minster Abbey daily.

UNIQUE GATHERING.

INEXPERIENCED REPRESENTATIVES DELEGATES CROWDED. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, Oct. 1. The present Imperial Conference is unique in the number of novitiates which includes the MacDonald Government itself, which never led a Conference before. The great majority of the delegates are debutantes. The earlier editions of the evening papers made the conference a front page lead story, with headlines suc'h as “One Quarter of the World Confers; ” “A Family Gathering in the Locarno Room, but his pride of position was soon superseded by other news Items. The members of the • conference themselves are settling down to the usual crowded lives. With morning and afternoon meetings at Whitehall, and speechmaking and dinners in the evening they already are finding it difficult to crowd in private interviews. Though this is the first Imperial Conference with the Labour Government as hosts, nobody knowing Mr 'MacDonald’s reverence for tradition fell the least surprised that there were no breaks in any direction making away from previous precedents regarding methods of procedure. The discussions in conference circles indicate that the outstanding speeches at the opening session were those of Mr Scullin and General Hertzog. The former’s created an impression for its strength and colour and method of delivery, even though the speaker was performing an unaccustomed task.

Reading from manuscript, General Hertzog commanded attention largely on the score of surprise that he only lightly touched on the constitutional issue which he had been expected to stress but instead he brought out the economic factors in a telling speech.

LATER.

RESEARCH COMMITTEE. EXTENSION OF CO-OPERATION. United Press Assn.—Elec. lei. Copyright. (Received October 3, 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, October 2. Lord Darmoor in opening the Imperial Conference Research sub-Con-ference, said its aims were to extend the Go-operaticn of the research organisations, which were effectively utilisable in the further common stock of scientific knowledge and methods. It is proposed, as a result of Australia’s special request, to widen the scope to enable the discussion of agricultural questions. It was announced that visits have been arranged to various research stations all over Britain.

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE.

DELEGATES AT DOWNING STREET MEETINGS OF COMMITTEES. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received October 3, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, October 2. This morning’s communique states that the heads of delegations met at Downing Street to consider the best methods of dealing with the agenda. As a preliminary they discussed some constitutional questions, and referred certain aspects of inter-im-perial relations to a sub-committee under Lord Sankeyls chairmanship. The heads of the delegations will meet again to-morrow. The general committee of economic experts further conferred. The research committee, under Lord Parmour’s chairmanship, will meet this afternoon. Governor-Generalships.

Criticism of the baldness of the communique had the result in the instantaneous packing of the room for the 5.30 p.m. talk at which the journalists had the satisfaction of seeing ■Hie Right Hon. J. 11. Thomas take the spokesman’s chair and outline the arrangement under which he, at frequent periods, would give personal enlightment on the course of the conference. He bore out his previous statement that he would in nowise seek to interpret the Dominion viewpoints, and further, that there was not the slightest objection to Mr Scullin, Mr Forbes, or any other Prime Minister taking the press into his confidence whenever he chose. The first fact to emerge under the new order of publicity was tfa,e early

raising of the question of GovernorGenerals. It is understood it was Mr Scullin who introduced the matter, the conference postulating that the 1926 variation of the Dominion Status justified a direct approach to the King on the appointment of a. Governor-General. There are grounds for believing that a certain amount of shyness has been shown to this question by other Dominion representatives, some ,of whom are inclined to think that Mr Scullin would be glad to be quit of the awkward problem of having a nativeborn Governor, and that he is trying to find a way to save the Cabinet’s faoe. ■ , v '.-I Canada is unconcerned regarding the problem, and wants to get on with the bigger thingk—notably economics. New Zealand is quite content to rely on Downing Street’s judgment to have the Imperial link maintained through distinguished Britishers, while General Hertzog’s demeanour (suggested that he was unwilling to add another shaft to the quiverful of mischief. Seemingly none contested the right which Mr Scullin claimed. As Mr Thomas says, none challenges the right of secession; still, as a need exists for meeting all viewpoints about Governors, Lord Sankey’s committee on 'which Mr Garran represents Australia) will thrash out an acceptable formula, even should it be found that the major question remains as to whether a native-born Governor may be appointed. Lord Sankey’s committee naturally will not attempt to trench’on His Majesty’s prerogative. If Mr Scullin desires to submit a group of Australian names for the King’s consideration, he will still be free to do so, but whther His Majesty would approve is another matter. It may happen that alternative British names would be sent to Mr Scullin. Nothing emerging from the Conference will impair the Royal privilege, and nothing will change the natural course of events when the Sovereign declines to accept Ministers’ advice Economic Discussion. The stage is set for a full economic discussion. On Monday morning Mr Bennett will lead off with definite proposals, and. Mr Scullin is likely to follow with a full-throated plea for stronger preferences.

New Zealand occupies an anomalous position, giving, yet not receiving preferences. New Zealand occupies an anomalous position, giving, yet not'receiving preferences. Her delegation is one obviously concerned about the Labour policy of free imports. They envisage the time in view of that. Dominion’s own increased prdduction, when it may be difficult for her to market the whole of her products in Britain; consequently she is-anxious for a definite plan securing her that market, for which she gives a reciprocal quid pro puo. It may be taken for granted that Mr Forbes will in nowise support bulk purchases, which he regards as impracticable. It was Australia who had bulk purchases included in, the agenda. Mr Maloney will discuss it with Mr Addison to-morrow, in pre-_ paration for Monday’s debate, in which' it will not be surprising if Australia finds it best to play preference as her strongest card.

Anxious for Sucoosa. There is no hiding the fact that the MacDonald Ministry desires to 1 make this Conference an outstanding success, with which to face the political battle which might break when Parliament reassembles. It was a happy circumstanoe that Mr Malcolm MacDonald, who is his father’s personal Conference secretary, was present at the Press Conference.