UNITED COMMONWEALTH

Evening Star, Issue 25084, 27 January 1944, Page 5

UNITED COMMONWEALTH

LORD HALIFAX'S PROPOSALS CREATE SENSATION IN CANADA TORONTO, Jan. 25. It would take at least 25 years to evolve the United British Commonwealth policy advocated in his speech, said Lord Halifax at a Press conference. He gave an assurance that it would not affect Canada's status with regard to relations with the United States and the right to make separate treaties and maintain separate embassies aiid'legations. Lord. Halifax emphasised that*interdependence of the Commonwealth members could be achieved without interfering with the dominions' independence. Ho explained that the Prime Ministers could maintain close contact among themselves and with the British Government, He favoured a system of loose unity rather than on Empire Parliament with a constitution binding all the members. The Ottawa correspondent of the 1 New York Times' says that Lord Halifax's suggestion, like that of General Smuts, which is greatly criticised here,' differs essentially from • the conception held by the present administration, which feels thafr the Commonwealth is stronger now, with its loose, flexible ties of sentiment and common ideals, than if all the components were tied to a common policy. The reasons for such attitude include Canada's geographical position and freedom from invasion, 'the past 150 years of her dependence, world ■ markets, and the racial composition of her people. Lord Halifax's speech created a sensation in the External Affairs, Depart-' ment, says the Canadian Press Association. While no one was available to indicate Mr Mackenzie King's reactions, an official in close touch with' the Prime Minister said that the speech came as a surprise, and in the official's opinion it was unfortunate, tending to divide the country, with Imperialists on the one hand and isolationists on the other, whereas the bulk of Canadian opinion was in between this. The official thought it would be unfortunate if Canada's relationship with the Commonwealth became a domestic issue. It might be forced as an issue for a general .election, but he hoped it,would not.