CANADA’S STATUS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 173, 23 June 1926, Page 9

CANADA’S STATUS.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS. PARLIAMENT TO BE CONSULTED. OTTAWA, June 21. Canada’s international status and position in the Empire were brought up in the House of Commons on Monday on the motion of the Premier, Mr Mackcnzie-King, asking approval of the principle, “that before His Majesty’s Canadian Ministers adviso ratification of a treaty or convention affecting Canada, or signify acceptance of any treaty, convention, or agreement involving military or economic sanctions, the approval of tho Parliament of Canada be secured,” with “the allimportant question of the negotiations, signature and ratification of tho international agreements” already agreed to by the Parliaments of Great Britain, Australia, South Africa and the other Dominions. The Premier hoped that the House would give approval to the motion, which was brought forward at this time because the Imperial Conference had been called to meet in October.

“We stand first and foremost always for the approval of the Parliament of Canada,” the Premier declared, when stating tho policy of the Government with regard to the ratification of treaties involving military and economic sanctions. He said: "By consulting Parliament on great questions, we shall help to maintain, without the possibility of division or difference, the relations between the different parts of the great Empire. We shall he able to further in tho most effective way unity within our own country and unity within the British Empire itself.” The Premier intimated th.at the Locarno treaties would be under discussion at the next Imperial Conference. Up to the present Canada had not signified acceptance of the agreements, nor would she until after the conference. "The point is that tho Government will take the position, regardless of the decision reached, that Parliament will be asked to approve of the acceptance of the Locarno Pact before Canada becomes a party to it.” Mr King’s motion on Canada’s international status within the Empire was approved without division.—A. and N.Z. cable. •