DEBATE ON RECONSTRUCTION.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14055, 29 May 1911, Page 7

DEBATE ON RECONSTRUCTION.

(Received May 28th, 5.5 p.m. 7 LONDON, May 26. Sir Joseph Ward accepted Mr Asquith's suggestion that Mr. Harcourtshould make a statement before proceeding with his resolution.

Mr Harcourt said the Government hoped to meet many of Sir Joseph Ward's points, but thero woro certain disadvantages in having separate Un-der-Secretaryships. It would be obviously difficult to conduct tho office with co-equal permanent heads. Another difficulty was that only one person, with knowledge of the Dominions and of the Crown colonies, could be the political head of the department, and it would not be advantageous to have an Under-Secretary for the Dominions wholly divorced from knowledge of thc proceedings in thc Crown colonies and protectorates. Tho Government would bo prepared to establish an Advisory Committee with purely advisory powers. The committeo should not be tied too closely as regards personnel, but frequent changes would militate against continuity of knowledge. Sir Joseph Ward said the resolution was intended to securo organic machinery to discuss and advise on important questions. Without blaming the Colonial Office ho said New Zealand frequently felt it was insufficiently well-informed on matters of routine. He required time to consider the appointing of a Council of High Commissioners.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier said he was satisfied with tbe present system. Canada, however, would not object if the others desired a change. He thought the Advisory Committee would be cumbrous and unsatisfactory and might make recommendations suitable to one part of tho Empiro and unsuitable to another.

Mr Asquith said he thought only questions common to all parts should bo dealt with.

Mr Fisher said the services of the High Commissioners were valuable in voicing views on a particular matter, but he had grave doubts of a standing committee of them taking a vote on matters of common concern. The proposal would extend tho functions of the •Commissioners into consultative authority. Tho question was not yet prominent, but a feeling existed in favour of Dominion matters coming under tho Foreign Office, instead of under the Colonial Office. As nations, they were desirous of entering into tho spirit of the policy governing the Empire. He suggested that Sir Wilfrid Laurier might give a lead by bringing forward a resolution vesting distinct authoritative powers in the High Commissioners to enter into negotiations with responsibility to their respective Governments. The, Declaration of London was an instance where tho Secretary for Foreign Affairs, had he communicated with the High Commissioners, could havo learned the views of the Dominions confidentially, and cortain difficulties might have been obviated.

Tho other delegates expressed themselves as satisfied with the present system.

Mr Asqnith said ho did not wish to press the committee proposal unless it was generally approved. Referring to the South African resolution seeking to place colonial affairs under the Prime Minister's control, ho said ho was impressed with the fact that it would be impossible for the Prime Minister to dischargo such duties conscientiously.

Tho Conference postponed discussion on these points pending the circulation of Mr Harcourt's memolandum.