STATUS OF THE DOMINIONS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22358, 23 March 1938, Page 11

STATUS OF THE DOMINIONS

A MISUNDERSTANDING CORRECTED

“INFORMED, NOT CONSULTED ON FOREIGN POLICY”,

LONDON, March 21

The Australian Associated Press says official quarters desire to correct a misunderstanding as to- the Dominions’ position as reflected in the newspapers at the week-end, when it was stated that Mr Chamberlain while at Chequers “studied the Dominions’ replies to the British request for, their views on the European situation.”

It is stated that no such request has so far been submitted to the Dominions, whose position is that they are informed but not consulted. Consequently no question has arisen of asking for replies, and no replies have been received. Mr Chamberlain need only request the Dominions’ viewpoints if a change of policy is proposed. The fact that Cabinet will discuss the policy tomorrow, but that still no requests will be dispatched to the Dominions, is taken to mean that no new policy is contemplated. In the House of Commons, Mr lan Hannah (Conservative) asked whether Mr Chamberlain would consider giving the Dominions’ representatives in London ambassadorial status and some right of consultation on the Empire’s foreign policy. Mr Chamberlain replied that the Government fully recognised the importance of the Dominion High Commissioners, whose status was determined as a result of the Imperial Conference in 1930. The Government was very ready to communicate with or consult the High Commiasioners on any matter of common concern, to the fullest extent which their respective Governments desired*