BRITAIN IN THE PACIFIC.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2078, 13 May 1907, Page 2

BRITAIN IN THE PACIFIC.

Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, May 10. At the Imperial Conference Mr. Deakin moved his resolutions referring to the islands of the Pacific. He sketched the history of the subject for 25 years. He denied that Australia was greedily grasping after territory, and said Australia had steadily resisted the loss of islands, some of wlicih had been actually included in British dominions. Australia from the first had urged that the islands should bo brought definitely under British jurisdiction, but the Colonial Offire’s remote, unsympathetic attitude allowed numbers to slip through their fingers. Mr. Deakin traced the proceedings in connection with the New Hebrides convention, step by step. He referred to Mr. Churchill’s utterly misleading reply in the House of Commons, and mercilessly analysed the Colonial Of(ieo’s policy in affirming the convention behind the backs of Australia and New Zealand without their being either represented or consulted. Mr. Deakin, continuing, referred to the effect the completion of the Panama Canal would have upon the fu-

tore of the Pacific. Sir Joseph Ward concurred with the resolution. He reviewed the loss of Samoa, declaring that America and Germany would not have occupied their present positions had New Zealand’s advice been taken. He explained that New Zealand now contt oiled a considerable number of the Pacific Islands, and was keenly alive to tlio importance of the British Government taking a warmer interest in

the Pacific, which was becoming a

much busier ocean than was previously expected. The development of trade between and Australasia was increasing yearly, and the completion of the Panama Canal would alter the whole face ol the Pacific. Sir Joseph Ward insisted on Australia’s and New Zealand’s right of being consulted before the conclusion of conventions relating to the Pacific, because they silonc- were aware of the special condition and circumstances importantly affecting such questions.

The resolution was recorded after Lord Elgin had expressed regret at the New Hebrides misunderstandings, and said lie hoped nothing of the sort would occur in future. Spea'king on the question of the British Government guarding its Pacific interests, Sir Joseph Ward declared that New Zealand was under the shadow of a. great country, the United States, that did not fly the British flag, though cosmopolitan, and they had ml objection to them as \ country, but on the contrary, felt

most friendly disposed ; still, fbe future development of the Pacific, tbe opening ol the Panama Canal, and incteased traffic, between Canada. Australia, and New Zealand, rendered it essential that (he British Government should not relax its efforts to keep points of vantage in the Pacific islands. Britain’s policy should he

to ensure the acquisition of the remainder. He urged that in all matters conventions with foreign countries should he submitted to Australia and New Zealand before settlement by the Imperial Government. He referred to the New Hebrides, and said he was certain of the colonics had first been consulted the position would be entirely different.