Evening star., 1937-05-14
BALDWIN WARNS
IMPERIAL PARLEY
OF WORLD CRISIS
British Premier Declares
international Situation
Is Threatening"
DEPLORES NECESSITY
FOR DEFENSE PLANS
Tells ENJOYS, However, That Sc
curity of Empire Overseas
Must Be Assured.
BY the Associated Press,


LONDON, May 14.-Prime Minister
Stanley Baldwin warned the opening
session Of Britain's Imperial Confer
ence today, "the international situa-
ton is difficult and even threatening I"
He was elected by the statesmen
delegates to preside over their delibera-
tions to evolve co-ordinated stand on
such vital empire questions as defense
and communication, foreign policy,
trade and migration.
The responsibility rests upon u.s."
said Baldwin, TO see that our de.
liberations not only are of service to
ourselves but also may help in some
measure toward solution of those in
ternational problems which are per-
picking the world.
Aims to Seek Solution.
''It will be our task to examine
causes OF the present national unrest,
to exchange views upon them and to
consider whether there is any con-
tribution which We, cooperating to-
gether, could make to their diminu-
ton or removal"
Referring to the "ruinous race" for
rearmament. Baldwin said: with so
many of the most powerful nations Of
the world expanding their armed
forces, we in this country decided it
was our duty to put our defenses in
order at cost and magnitude which
you know
Britain has a $500 100000 five
year defense program under way.)
we deplore the necessity" the
head of government said, but we have
no choice"
AT another point he declared: We
are met at time when the interna-
tional situation is difficult and even
threatening"
Baldwin. who is expected to retire
soon from the premiership, thus key
noted the talks of dominion and In
dian Empire representatives, who had
faced away from the pageantry Of
the coronation of George vi toward
the cold facts Of the empires future.
Questions Of foreign affairs and
defense shall be our main subjects. !"
Baldwin announced, 1T is fitting
they should be-"
Promises Protection Of Empire.
He pictured Britains vast rearma-
ment program as making it possible
for her to guard the security of the
empire overseas"
Baldwin concluded by expressing
confidence the conference would solve
its problems through cooperation in
unity of purpose under the crown
which is at once the symbol of our
partnership and the focus of our COM
mon loyalty"
A message Of loyalty to the King and
Queen and election of Baldwin to the
Craftsmanship, on motion by Prime
Minister Mackenzie King of Canada,
were the first business of the con-
ference.
Non-Aggression Pact Asked.
Prime Minister Joseph A. Lyons Of
Australia, emphasizing that each do
minion must be prepared to defend
itself, made q plea for non-aggres-
sion pact in the Pacific Ocean area.
Australia would greatly welcome a
regional understanding pact of nom
aggression by countries of the Pacific,
conceived in the spirit and principles
of the League" he said.
This was a conference OF auton-
omous governments-not super
state-in which each controlled its
own destiny. 1t was step toward a
greater fellowship of cooperation, and
spokesmen said no attempt would be
made to force upon the delegates an
ironclad policy for defense or foreign
relations.
Baldwin was making one Of his
last important appearances as chair
man Of the conference, an office in
which he was expected to be sue
ceeded shortly, when he retires from
the premiership, by Chancellor OF the
Exchequer Neville Chamberlain.
Loyalty to Be Pledged.
The first action on the conference
program today was sending a mes
sage Of loyalty to King George. whom
the statesmen saw crowned in West
minister Abbey two days ago. Then
committees were to be appointed tc
deal with the various subjects on the
agenda, this to be followed by
adjournment to next Wednesday
Final adjournment will come probably
in the middle OF June.
IDOL Rnein