THE EMPIRE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 107, 6 May 1926, Page 9

THE EMPIRE

DOMINIONS IN CONFERENCE

f HINT OF WIDE DEMANDS. The London representative of the "Sydney Sun" learns, on tho highest authority, that the attitude of certain of the Dominions at the Imperial Conference, later in the year, regarding the Empire's constitution, may prove a bombshell. It is anticipated that Canada is likely to indicate a desire for larger autonomy, which would be discussed under the heading, "Constitutional Isolations," tho moßt important on the agenda. It is suggested that Canada ■will tell the Conference that the time is ripe for an' independent Canadian nationhood, and that she is not prepared for compromise thereon. Her attitude may be summed up thus: "Britain's entrance to a European war is not our business, and we refuse to recognise^ that Canada would even technically be at war.'' This is interpreted as meaning that Canada will not accept nationhood within the Empire, and it is unlikely that Britain or the other Dominions, particularly Australia, who definitely is opposed to such a policy, would attempt to influence Canada because they do not desire to bully anybody. Canadian, circles in London informed the "Sun's" representative that they are not aware of Canada adopting such an attitude. It is pointed out that she has not yet been informed of the Conference agenda, and does not know what will be discussed. They are disinclined to believe that Canada suggests a breakaway from the Empire. Nevertheless, Downing Street is closely watching Canada's attitude, but takes the view that Canada will not cross the stream 'until she reaches it. It is believed that the Canadian Prime Minister (Mr. Mackenzie King) is influencing this autonomy talk for the purpose of strengthening his election position, and may be considerably mora moderate at the Conference. On the other hand, authoritative iources refuse to regard the position . without concern, and particularly call .attention to an article in "The New Statesman" (a publication entirely dissociated from any movement for Imperial solidarity), from a Canadian source, which is believed to be Mr. Mackenzie King's mouthpiece. This article, after describing Mr. Mackenzie King and General Hertzog (the South African Prime Minister) as Isolationists, declares: "Tho process of friendly disintegration is proceeding apace. The nationalist policy of Canada and South Africa is opposed to all the British Commonwealth's ideals. Swift decay has overtaken the policy of Imperial co-operation, which the Dominions } abstention from Locarno ruined." The paper adds that Canadian action will be suspended until the question is thrashed out at the Imperial Conforence, ana concludes: "Canada is proud of her membership of the League of Nations, but if the British Foreign Minister, out of complaisance to France, reverts to ancient diplomacy, he may both wreck the Locarno Pact and deal a death-blow at Imperial unity, sealing Canada's determination to abandon Downing Street as her guide and cicerone in foreign policy, the inevitable aftermath of which would be political independence." Political circles also direct attention to the rumours, concerning an "autonomy bloc," in which, it is ropoi'tud, Uuii&tiu, douiii Africa, aud the Irish Freo State aro combining to 'demand a freer hand. It is even suggested that tho two first-named have secretly agreed to combine, hoping to obtain the support of the President of the Free State (Mr. W. T. Cosgrave), thereby overriding Australia, New Zealand, and the colonies. This move, however, at present is not causing concern, because it is believed that General Hcrtzog's outbursts morely aim at excusing himself to tho electors for his attendance at the Imperial Conference. "Whatever happens, it is expected that the Conference will be tho scene of a heated, probably dramatic, discussion on constitutional relations, which, it is recognised throughout the Empire, are anomalous. The Conference probably will open in the first week of October, and will last for two months.