VITAL QUESTIONS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 117, 19 May 1937, Page 11

VITAL QUESTIONS

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

SOUTH AFRICAN PLAN

SUBJECTS OF THE KING

United rrcss Association— By Electric Telecraph—Copyrlsht. (Received May 19, 1 p.m.) LONDON, May: 18. It is now clear that the constitutional question will have a much more prominent place at the Imperial Conference than was earlier thought. The setting up of the commiLtee to consider constitutional questions reveals the inclusion of all the Dominion Prime Ministers, besides a formidable array of judicial experts to deal with "the international status of members of the Commonwealth." The political correspondent of the Australian Associated Press agency understands that the discussions will largely centre on the nationality laws of Canada, South Africa, and those of the Irish Free State, by which their subjects virtually enjoy dual nationality. The proposal of the Prime Minister of South Africa (General J. B. M. Hertzog) is a common -nationality for Britons and Dominion residents alike, namely, subjects of the King. "Weighty and complicated argument by some of the Empire's leading constitutional lawyers is certain on the issue which is tantamount to General Hertzog seeking to enjoy the advantages of membership of the Commonwealth without willingness to share in the disadvantages.

The British viewpoint is that if any Dominion no longer wishes its nationals to remain British subjects that Dominion cannot expect to continue to enjoy the privileges of being British in international affairs. They would have to establish their own legations and consulates and be entirely responsible for their nationals abroad. '