Imperial Unity

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 113, 30 April 1926, Page 5

Imperial Unity

Bomshells in Preparation AUTONOMY FOR THE DOMINIONS SECRET COMBINE RUMOURED. [By Cable—Press Assn.—Copyright.] (Received 30, 9.5 a.m.) London, April 29. Information from tho highest authority indicates that the attitude of ceitain dominions at the Imperial Conference regarding tho Empire’s constitution may prove a bombshell. It is anticipated that Canada is likely to disclose a desire for larger automony ami to tell the Conference the time is ripe for independent Canadian nationhood, and that she is not prepared for a compromise thereon. Her attitude may bo summed up as, “Britain’s entrance into a European war would not be our business, and we would refuse to recognise that Canada was even technically at war.” This is interpreted to mean that Canada will not accept nationhood within the Empire.

It Is unlikely that Britain and the other dominions will attempt to influence Canada because they do not desire to bully anybody.

Canadian circles in London declare that they are not aware Canada is adopting such an attitude, and arc disinclined to believe she will suggest a breakaway.

Political circles are also devoting attention to rumours concerning what is described as an outtomony bloc in which it is reported that Canada, South Africa and the Irish Free State are combining to demand a freer hand. It is even suggested that tho first two have secretly agreed to combine, hoping -for President Cosgrave’s support, thereby overriding Australia and Now Zealand. This move, however, at prescut is not causing concern because it is believed that General Hcrtzog’s out bursts merely aim at excusing himself to the electors for his attendance at the Imperial . Conference.

Whatever happens, it is expected that the < onfercnce will be the scene of heated and probably dramatic discussion of constitutional relations which are recognised throughout the Empire as analogous. — (Sydney “Sun” cable.)