QUESTIONS OF STATUS.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 172, 21 July 1921, Page 4

QUESTIONS OF STATUS.

"Where," asks Mr. P. D. Armour, -ggrieved at the unkindness of the New Zealand Government in considering the : 'Big Five" a trust, "arc the hearquarters of the British Empire? When we approach the British Foreign Oflice and Colonial Office we are told that New Zealand is a self-governing Dominion. When we approach New Zealand we find a complete absence of diplomatic machinery between us." The position of tiie Dominions in respect to such matters would certainly appear to be in need of definition and co-ordination. While Sir Francis Bell decides to carry on correspondence with the American Government relating to Armour's through the British Foreign Office; Hr. Hughes brushes aside the suggestion that French communications on tariff questions should be made through the British Government, and says that tbe matter is one for Australia to deal with. The question of tbe Dominions' status is raised also by the matter of representation at the Washington Conference on disarmament. The "Dominion" thinks it is time tho Government of Xew Zealand made up its mind where it desires to stand internationally, and it contrasts Sir Francis Bell's action with Mr. Massey's apparent regret that New Zealand has not been invited to Wash ington. This seems hardly fair to Mr. Massey, whose comment as cabled cannot, in our opinion, be construed as regret. Washington's attitude appears to be quite consistent. The Dominions signed the Peace Treaty as individual nations, but America has not ratified the Treaty, and does, not recognise the League ombodii!fl in it. As we read the cable message on tho subject, Mr. Massey said he understood this point of view. Aust/ilia and New Zealand will not get in the least excited if they are not separately invited to send representatives, but they will be anxious that their views shall be adequately stated at the conference. This could'be done by colonial representatives attending as part of the British delegation. It is pretty certain now. however, that neither Mr. Massey nor Mr. Hughes will be able to attend, in which case' they should set about appointing the best substitutes available.