DOMINIONS’ STATUS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 11, 8 October 1923, Page 7

DOMINIONS’ STATUS

RIGHT TO INTIMATE CONSULTATION UNWRITTEN PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT NEED FOR REVISION BY CONFERENCE In an editorial dealing with the need of revision of the unwritten partnership agreement wjiich binds the Empire, the “Nation" declares that the British Commonwealth, if it acts together, can do much to stabilise the world. By Telegraph.—’ Press Association, Copyright. London, October 5. The “Nation.” in a leading article, says: “Internationally, the Dominions have won for themselves a position within the community of nations and within the Empire. The Dominions have recently received repeated acknowledgment of the \ entirely new status of their right to more frequest and more intimate consultation upon matters of vital Imperial interest, and of the need of revision of the unwritten partnership agreement which holds the Empire together. Clearly tho Imperial Conference cannot separate without pronouncing upon some of theso constitutional issues. The main effect of the present working arrangement is that there is a lack of adequate machinery for effective consultation between the London Cabinet and tho other Cabinets of the Empire. “The world is rocking, and the British Commonwealth, if it acts together, can do much to stabilise it. If the hysterical cry to the Dominions on the Turkish issue, emitted by Mr. Lloyd George’s Cabinet, or by a fragment of it, last year, is a fair product of the present machinery, then reform is'badly needed, for the British Commonwealth will not be held together or brought to act together by exploiting the Gallipoli graves. “While the main responsibility for the day to day conduct of international affairs must continue' some time yet to rest with the London Cabinet, the Dominions are entitled to claim the observance of two conditions —that thev should have given previous assent to the general principles being followed in negotiations; and that they.should be kept sufficiently in touch with! the progress of events to enable them at a moment of crisis to determine their course of' action upon reasoned judgment. instead of being stampeded by that sentiment, of loyalty which it is so easy to evoke and to abuse.” —Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. SPIRIT OF THE DOMINIONS EXEMPLIFIED BY NEW ZEALAND London, October 5. The Imperial Industries Club entertained the overseas Premiers at luncheon. Sir George Chubb, the president, in proposing the health of tho guests, said that the Imperial Conference was British in constitution, but international in results. Mr. Massey, discussing New Zealand’s renewed prosperity, mentioned the reductions in taxation. An interrupter: “Why don’t you come here?” Mr. Massey: “I am here.” (Cheers.) The spirit of all the Dominions, ho said, was exemplified by New Zealand when it had sent him with a free hand, and said. “Stand for strong unity of the Empire, and we will be perfectly satisfied with you wh-tf y° u coine back.” —Sydney “Sun” Cable.