DOMINIONS’ SAY

Grey River Argus, 10 May 1935, Page 5

DOMINIONS’ SAY

In Empire Policy

WHAT IS IT?

LONDON, May 8.

British quarters unreservedly repudiate the suggestion of two London newspapers that the Anglo-Dominion meeting yesterday, contemplated the abandonment of the British practice of consulting the Dominions on all European developments, in order to enable Britain to act more speedily without committing the Dominions, whose view would be sought only in case of emergency.

The Prime Alinister stated, in the Commons, that there was no truth whatever in the statement that any change in the existing position in regard to Dominion responsibility and obligations for foreign policy was contemplated. The subject had not been mentioned at any of the discussions with the Dominion Prime Alinisters,

now in progress, the course of which had been normal, imparting information, especially regarding the international situation.

“The Government in the United Kingdom stands firmly by the principles governing the system of consultation in relation to parity negotiations. and the conduct of foreign affairs generally, which have been agreed upon at successive Imperial Conferences. These principles are well recognised, and are in unquestioned operation. It is of the utmost importance, especially for public opinion in the Dominions, that there should be no mistake whatever about the system in practice. The clauses of the report of the proceedings of the 1930 conference, biimmarising these principles, are as follows:—Firstly, any of His Alajesty’s Governments conducting negotiations should inform the other Governments of His Alajesty, in case they should he interested, and give them an opportunity of expressing the4r views, if they think that their interests may be affected; secondly, any of His Majesty’s Governments, on lecciving such information, should, if it desires to express any view, do so with reasonable promptitude; thirdly, none of His Majesty’s Governments can take any steps which might involve other Governments in any active obligation, without their definite assent.