FIVE NATIONS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 92, 20 April 1911, Page 7

FIVE NATIONS

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. ARTICLE IN THE TIMES. By Telegraph.— Preßß Association.— Copyright. LONDON, 19th April. The Times, in a leading article regarding the coming Imperial Conference, states that the Dominions are being driven at dozens of points in the practical world 'of politics on their own account, acquiring commercial and industrial interests, sometimes conflicting with Britain's. There could be no real security in any Imperial problem, whether of population, defence, or commerce, unless a mutual understanding was arrived at between the five nations. It was impossible to continue a system whereby foreign policy was a sealed book to all but one partner. It was ne- J cessary that the British Government should give a frank explanation of British policy and suggest an arrangement whereby an understanding would be maintained while- the conference was not in session. This was the real problem behind New Zealand's proposals.^ Foreign policy had hitherto been continuous whether tho Conservatives or Liberals were in office. It was necessary that the policy should be strengthened by becoming Imperial, and securing the conscious and continuous support of the Governments of the overseas Dominions. It was all-important that Sir Wilfrid Laurier should be able to attend. The Daily Mail publishes a similar leader.