IMPERIAL WAR CABINET

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2981, 19 January 1917, Page 5

IMPERIAL WAR CABINET

EIGHT OF THE DOMINIONS (Rec. January 18, 5.5 p.m.) London, January 17. 'An, authoritative interview has been held with a Cabinet Minister. He says he dislikes the phraso "Imperial Conference" because it is misleamng. The real intontion of the Government is to incorporate the Dominions' representatives in the Cabinet on full oonditions, but temporary membership for discussing peace terms, and after tho war finance, emigration, demobilisation, trado, and all questions connected with, the conduct of the war except purely local matters, such as recruiting in Britain and elsewhere, local loans, and doraestio concerns. Sir Robert Borden, Premier of Canada, has notified that he will be unable to oome until the middle- of March. Cabinet will probably agree to the inaugural dato being late in March or early in April, with a prolonged meeting possibly extending ovor months. It may be essential not to attempt to influence the Dominions, whose war work is felt to be on a vast scale, and their voluntary sacrifices entitled them to sharo in shaping future policies. This is regarded as a mere act of equity apart from tho binding effect of a reinvigorated Empire—United Service. AUSTRALIA'S DELEGATE

Melbourne, January 18. Tho latest suggestion is a probability of Mr. Pearce (Minister of Defence) attending the Imperial Conference. Beyond admitting that the party had discussed the quostion, Mr. Hughes would say, nothing. Professor Laby, acting-secretary of the Round Table, states that in reply to a cable message sent to London ho has received the following from one whose knowledge of the facts cannot be questioned: Matters vitally affecting Australia and the Empire are certain to be discussed at the Imperial Conference. It is of the utmost importance, that Australia • should send the most authoritative representative possible.—Press Association.