ENGLISH PRESS COMMENTS.

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

ENGLISH PRESS COMMENTS.

LONDON, May 26

The "Morning Post," commenting on the Imperial Conference, says that the unseen hand of the Government is guiding tho Conference into the arena of Imperial defence, almost to the exclusion of other great subjects.

Tho "Pall Mall Gazette" says that tho Conference is not apparently a strong body in point of initiative. Sir Joseph Ward's resolution elicited difficulties, but little , was forthcoming in the way of constructive suggestion. Real statesmanship should not be satisfied with the spirit of resigned impotence.

The "Westminster Gazette" says that Sir Joseph Ward has dono very good service in bringing the proposal for an Imperial Council from the clonds to solid earth, and the road is now clear for tho development of tbo consultative idea. (Received May 28th, 5.5 p.m.) Tho "Daily News" says the Imperial Council proposals of Sir Joseph Ward would have developed a constitutional revolution of the first magnitude.

The "Standard" declares that although neither in tho Dominions nor here aro people prepared for Sir Joseph Ward's advanced Imperialism, it is certain that the task of putting relations on a sounder basis than sentiment cannot be postponed for ever

ferenco attended a special meeting of j tbe Committee of Imperial Defence. ,

Mr Asquith, (Prime Minister), presided, and there were also present: Mr Lewis Harcourt, (Colonic'. Secretary)- Mr McKenna, (First Lord of tho Admiralty) Lord Haldane, (Secretary for War), Lord Crewe, (Secretary for' India), Lord Esher, General Sir W. G. Nicholson (Chief of the Imperial General Staff), Admiral Sir Arthur Wilson. (First Sea Lord), General Sir lan Hamdtr.n. (Inspector-General of the Oversea Forces), and others.

Sir Edward Grey, (Foreign Secretary) spoke on foreign relations a_ they affected the common interests of the Empire. The proceedings, winch wero secret, will bo resumed on Monday and Tuesday.

The oversea delegates are delighted with the new departure, which frankly admits-them to the confidence of the Imperial Government's inner circle. The newspapers declare that yesterday's meeting was practically an Imperial Cabinet. Tho council door has now been opened and can never be shut.