A VITAL LINK OF EMPIRE

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 30, 4 August 1926, Page 9

A VITAL LINK OF EMPIRE

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STK JAMBS AM/EN SPEAKS FSOi EXPEKIENCE.

(•United Press Association.—Copyright.}

(Published in The Times.)

(Received 4th August, 9 a.m.)

LONDON", 3rd* August.

"The position of High Commissioner should rank officially and in the public eye next to the Premiership," said Sir James Allen in an interview. "I am convinced that the relations of Downing street and the Dominions should be carried on through the progress ive development of the High Commissioner's Office. The system would work well in proportion as the responsibilities of the High Commissionership are realised In the Dominions. It would be of the first importance that the best possible man should be obtained, and when, obtained mnst be trusted fully.

"Nothing can he gained," said Sir James, "by attempting to make the appointment non-political, ag playing to party and being partisan are not the same thing. Personal experience in Dominion politics is almost a decisive advantage to the High Commissioner.

"I consider that Mr. Amery's weekly meetings can be extended if the Dominions accredit their High Commissioners to the Foreign Office. Downing Street is particularly ready to co-operate, but the Dominions are slow to take advantage of this readiness, and the Dominion Premiers are reluctant to do anything which might seem to diminish their own responsibility. Everything should be concentrated in the High Commissioner's branch. If* the various duties are divided, it will inevitably result in lack of co-operation and a diminution in the officers' prestige."