ICELAND'S POSITION.

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 July 1908, Page 1

ICELAND'S POSITION.

When the King of Denmark visited Iceland last year a commission was set up to consider the whole question of the relations between Denmark and the island dependancy. The Commission has now reported, recommending, a new law governing the position of Iceland. The proposed Bill, as summarised by a correspondent of the "Standard," is interesting and instructive to foreigners who know little of Danish politics. "Iceland" he writes, "is a free, autonomous and independant country, united to Denmark by a common King and by common affairs, which are determined in this law, and it thus forms with Denmark a State federation —the united Danish Empire The King will in future hold the title of King of Denmark and Iceland. Concessions are made to Iceland with re gard to the inspection and nationalisation of the fisheries and the establish ment of a Supreme Court in the island. For the purposes of external relations the common war and commercial flags will be still retained, but at home Ico landers will also be able to fly their own flag. Tho Icelandic Treasury will contribute towards the King's Civil List, and Icelanders and Danes will enjoy equal rights in both countries. It is provided that tho law may be revised after twenty-five years, after which the union may be partially abrogated in case agreement cannot bo reached in regard to a new law." One Icelandic member of the Commission considers that the Bill does not sufficiently emjmasise the fact that "Iceland is a sovereign State on full equality wath Denmark." All the arrangements between the two countries should be submitted to tho approval of the people, and the declaration that the Icelanders may not depose the King should be omitted from tho law. The Icelandic Atling has now to consider tho proposals, and their endorsement is by no means certain. If the recommendations of tho Commission are adopted Denmark will pay to Iceland the sum of £83,333 in settlement of outstanding financial liabilities, and Ice land will thereafter be expected to manage her affairs without furtliei help