IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 307, 23 September 1926, Page 9

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

POSSIBILITY OF CANADA'S ABSENCE DELICATE CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTION , A SITUATION WITHOUT PRECEDENT The possibility of Canada’* absence Irom the Imperial Conference has aroused discussion upon the question whether the conference can legitimately be held in such circumstances. By Telegraph.—Press association. Copyright. (Rec. September 22, 8.15 p.m.) London, September 21. The possibility, however remote, .of Canada’s absence from the Imperial Conference nas aroused discussion of a delicate constitutional question. Even Downing Street is uncertain whether the conference can legitimately be held in such circumstances. It is stated authoritatively that ttie constitutional aspect, if it arose, would be a matter for consultation with the Dominions Office, the Dominions concerned, and later for discussion with the Premiers attending, with a view to a mutual settlement A precedent does not exist to deal with the situation, which, apparently,-was not contemplated when framing the resolution in 1907 initiating the Imperial Conferences. Canada’s London office has cabled Ottawa for information.

The Dominions office anticipates that the position will be clarified in a few days, and points out that, though Mr. Mackenzie King himself may not be able to attend, owing to the Parliamentary situation, there is nothing to prevent the sending of deputies where exceptional circumstances arise. Mr. Mackenzie King, in a message to the “Dailv News,” says: “So long as the present Government remains in office, I prefer to make no statement whatever regarding the Imperial Conference or other current political matters.” The “Dailv News” comments on the fact that Mr. King is not technically Premier, and, therefore, prefers to be silent.

It will create an embarrassing situation if Mr. King holds aloot from the conference. Such action, would be widely interpreted as a slight to the Empire at the moment when new relationships are evolving between the constituent parts and other nations. — Sydney “Sun” Cable.