EMPIRE CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1139, 29 May 1911, Page 5

EMPIRE CONFERENCE.

THE COLONIAL OFFICE. REORGANISATION PROPOSALS DEBATED. SIR JOSEPH WARD'S MOTION. By Tekerapli-PreES Association-Copyrieht London, May 26. The official report of yesterday afternoon's sitting of the Imperial Conference will be published to-morrow. It •is understood that the Conference discussed Sir Joseph Ward's resolution providing for the reconstruction of the Colonial Office— (1) That it is essential that the Department of the Dominions be separated from that of the Crown Colonies, and 'that each department bo placed under a separate Permanent Under-Secretary. (2) That in order to give duo effect to modern Imperial development it has now become advisable to change the title of Secretary of Stato for the Colonies to that of "Secretary of Stato for Imperial Affairs." (3) That tho staff of the Secretariat be incorporated with the Dominions Department, under the new Under-Secre-tary, and that all questions relating to the self-governing Dominions bo referred to that department; the High Commissioners to be informed of matters affecting the Dominions with a view to their Governments expressing their opinion on the same. (4) That the High Commissioners b9 invited to attend meetings of tho Committee of Defence when questions on naval or military Imperial defence affecting tho oversea Dominions are under discussion. (5) That tho High Commissioners be invited to consult with tho Foreign Ministers on matters of .foreign industrial, commercial, and social affairs in which the oversea Dominions are interested, and inform tbeir respective Governments. (6) That the High Commissioners should becoino the sole channel of communication between Imperial and Dominion Governments, Governors-General, and Governors on all occasions—being given identical and simultaneous information. Mr. Asquith suggested that Mr. Harcourt, Secretary tor the Colonies, shouid make a statement before the discussion was proceeded with. Sir Joseph Ward accepted the suggestion.

An Advisory Council. Mr. Harcourt said the Government hoped to meet many of Sir Joseph Ward's points, and outlined certain changes which would ho embodied in a memorandum for future consideration. Ho pointed out that the creation of a separate rJader-Secretaryship for the Dominions would be attended with difficulty, but that if a change we're really demanded, tho Government would meet the views of the Dominions. There were certain disadvantages with respect to' separate secretaryships. It would be obviously difficult to conduct tho offico with co-equal permanent heads. Another difficulty was that only tho 'person with a knowledge of the Dominions and the Crown colonies could be the political'head. It would not be advantageous to have tho Secretary for the Dominion wholly divorced from any knowledge of the proceedings, in tho Crown colonies and protectorates, while receiving continuous particulars regarding tho Dominions. Mr. Harcourt also suggested the appointment of an Advisory Council, consisting o£ the High Commissioners, or other Dominion nominees to consult between the Imperial Conferences. The Government was prepared to establish such a committee, with purely advisory powers. Tho committee should not be tied too closely as to personnel, but frequent changes would militate against continuity of knowledge.

,New Zealand Not Well-informed. Sir Joseph Ward said his resolution was intended to secure organio machinery to provide for discussion and advice on important questions. Without blaming the Colonial Office, New Zealand frequently had felt that it had not been sufficiently well-informed on matters of routine. Hβ required time to consider the proposal regarding the appointing of the High Commissioners as a committee. Sir Wilfrid Laurier was satisfied with the present system. Canada, however, wtnild not object if the others desired a change. He thought an Advisory Committee would bo cumbrous and unsatisfactory, and it might make a recommendation that would be suitable for one part and unsuitablo for another. Mr. Asquith thought tlia.t only questions common to all parts should be dealt with. He agreed tliat the secretariat organised in 1907 had proved satisfactory. Foreign Office Control, Mr. Fisher said the services of the High Commissioners would be valuable in voicing the views of any particular matter. He had gravo doubts regarding a Standing Committee taking a vote on matters of common concern. The proposal would extend the functions of the Commissioners into consultative- authority. The question was not yet prominent, but the feeling existed in favour of Dominion matters coming under tho Foreign .instead of the Colonial Officp, as the nations were more desirous of entering into the spirit of the policy governing the Empire. He suggested that Sir W. Laurier might give a lead by-a resolution vesting distinct, authoritative power's in the High Commissioners to .enter into negotiations, with responsibility to their respective Governments. The Declaration of London was an instance where the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, had he communicated with the High Commissioners, could have learned the views of the Dominions confidentially, and certain difficulties might have been obviated. Satisfied With Present Methods, Other delegates said they were satisfied with tho present system. Mr. Asqnith snid he did not wish to press for a committee, unless the idea was generally approved. He referred to the South African resolution, seeking to placo Colonial affairs under tho Prime Minister, and said he was impressed with the fact that it would be impossible for the Premier conscientiously to discharge his duties. The Conference postponed further discussion, pending circulation of Mr. narcaurt's memorandum. MR. LLOYD-GEORGE SPEAKS, NEW ZEALAND LOYALTY. (liec, May 29, 0.20 a.m.) London, May 28. Five hundred guests attended the Eighty Club luncheon at the Hotel Cecil. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. T-loyd-George, presided, and many leading colonial visitors were present.

Mr. Lloyd-Cieorjo declared that the conferring of self-government upon the great commuuitien within H;c Empire «ms tlm greateit of all of tlw Liberals' aehieve-

monls. He was proml to see tlio Dominions growing in strength, influence, and power in tlio arms of s-elf-govoranicnt. Tho Liberal party felt it could share in the triumphant vindication of democratic government which tlio Dominions presented lo the civilised world. There, was no greater mistake in statesmanship than to imagine that a narrower patriotism excluded a wider one.

As Liberal's they studied and watched with admiration and a spirit of emulation Hie bold social experiments of tho sister States. It was mi education to sco how their enterprise and courage had inspired the efforts which wero being rondo to extricate humanity frem the undergrowth in which it was tangled. Doubtless a way would be finally cut for humanity to inarch through to the light.

Sir Joseph Ward emphasised the cordial affection for tho Motherland in New Zealand. Ho believed that the British oversea Governments were acting in such a way that nothing done in Ihe future would lead to separation, and he thought they would find that when the Dominions numbered scores of millions of peoplo they would still bo attached to tlio Mother Country by ties which would ever be remembered.

AUSTRALIAN COMMENT. A FEDERAL MINISTER'S VIEWS. (Rec. May 28, 5.5 p.m.) Melbourne, May 28. Mr. Hughes, the Acting-Prime.Minister, in referring to t Sir Joseph Ward's Imperial Council scheme, said t'lo proposal was ambitious, but ho saw no objection to it. The matter, however, would largely depend on convincing the British authorities of tho wisdom of tho suggestion. So far the whole subject was characterised by vagueness and uncertainty, and lio preferred not to express any definite opinion on it. A NEW DOOR OPENED. FIRST IMPERIAL CABINET COUNCIL. INTERESTING PRESS CRITICISM. (Rec. May 28, 5.5 p.m.) London, May 27. The overseas delegates are delighted at the new departure in frankly admitting them to tho confidence of tho Imperial Government's inner circle. ' The newspapers declare yesterday's meeting was practically an Imperial Cabinet Council, and that the door now opened can never be shut. The "Daily News" says that the Imperial Council scheme, as expounded by Sir Joseph Ward, developed a constitutional revolution of tho first magnitude. The "Standard" declares that, although neither in the Dominions nor hero are tho people prepared for Sir Joseph Ward's advanced Imperialism, it is certain that the iask of putting Imperial relations on a sounder basis than that of sentiment cannot bs postponed for ever. ■ SIR JOSEPH WARD'S SCHEME. London, May 2G. The "Morning Post" 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. Tlio "Pall Mall Gazette" says tliat tho Conference is not, apparently, a strong body in point of initiative. Sir Joseph Award's resolution elicited difficulties, but there was little, forthcoming in the way of constructive suggestion.or real statesmanship. Tho Conference' ebould not bo satisfied with, a spirit of resigned impotence. ' ... Tho "Westminster Gazette" remarks: "Sir Joseph Ward has done very good service in bringing tho Imperial' Council from, the clouds to solid .earth. Tho road is now clear for development of the consultative idea." IMPERIAL DEFENCE. COMMITTEE HOLDS SECRET SESSION. (Rec. May 28, 5.5 p.m.) London, May 27. The Imperial Conference delegates have attended a special meeting of the Committee of Imperial Defence. The Piim* Minister, -Mr. Asquith, presided, and thero were also present among others:— Mr. Lewis Harcourt, Secretary of State for the Colonies. Mr. Reginald M'Kenna, First Lord of tho Admiralty.

Lord Haldane, Secretary of State for Wax.

Sir Edward Grey, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

Lord Crowe, Secretary of State for India.

Field-Marshal Lord Kitchener. . Lord Esher, formerly chairman of the M T ar Office Reconstitution Committed.

Admiral-of-tlie-Fleet Sir A. K. Wilson, First Soa Lord of the Admiralty. General Sir W. G. Nicholson, Chief of the Imperial General Stan".

General Sir,.lan Hamilton, Commamler-in-Chief in the Mediterranean, aud In-spector-General of Oversea Forces. Sir Edward Grey addressed (lie Committee on the foreign relations and common interests of the Empire. The proceedings were secret. Tlie Committee is to sit again on Monday and 1 uesday.

LABOUR PARTY DINNER. MR. FISHER ENTERTAINED. ~ T , London., May 2G. At a Labour party dinner to Mr Andrew Fisher, Prime Minister of (lie Commonwealth, at the Holborn Kestaurant Mr. J. liamsay MacDouakl, Leader of the Labour party, who presided, said it had been given („ our cousins beyond tho teil s to >how that in tho domains of high politics the sons of common people shine conspicuously. Tho Empire must rest upon the federation of a self-govern-ing people, maintaining the motto, "Unity of Labour and Peace of the World" (Cheers.)

Mr. Fisher said he could not understand why there wns any cause to refer to a man rising from the ranks of a humble position, because the principle of greatness was honest labour. Tho Labour party was tho leader of a world-wide movement to link up the world in one common effort for the geod of tho whole. The best means of obtaining freedom' and happiness, said Mr. Fisher, ivas to co-operate mutunlly to prevent war. Destruction of all kinds had been predicted but within tho lifetime of most of his hearers tho Labour movement would bo conducting (ho government of a great Empire, whoso n'nglo object would bo the peaco and prosperity of every well-mean-ing and industrious person m every country.