CLOSER CO-OPERATION IN FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3265, 8 February 1926, Page 7

CLOSER CO-OPERATION IN FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Amendment to

King’s Speech

AMBASSADORS' TO AND FROM DOMINION

[By Electric Cable—Copyright] £Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Sunday, 7 p.m.) LONDON, February 6. Major Astor, referring to the amendment on foreign policy, says it Interprets the feeling of many Commoners who are surprised that the jting’s speech did not mention policy regarding Dominion affairs. “I supported it because I felt we should have a definite announcement of the Government’s intention m consection -with the Imperial conferenceI would like to see stronger Dominion representation dealing with foreign affairs. Mr. S. M. Bruce (Australia) has already realised this by appointing a liaison officer. Mr. J. G. Coarea (New Zealand) recently created a foreign department. The present method .of consultation between Downing street and the Dominions on Important questions is unsatisfactory. I would like to see more adequate representation. Perhaps the status Of the Gpvernors-General and the High Commissioners could be raised more or less to the equivalent of Ambassadors.

IA London cable on February 3 stated that the following metmbers of Parliament —Major.-General Sir Newton Moore, Captain R, E, Eden, Mr. C. Greene, Mr. P. A, Hurd, Sir Hamar Greenwood, Colonel Gault, Lord Apsley. Sir A. Shirley Benn, 'arid Major Astor—have tabled an amendment in the House of Commons regretting that the King’s Speech does not indicate the steps contemplated to obtain fcloser co-operation with the component parts of the Empire with the object of securing a common foreign policy, to which the Dominions can subscribe, while retaining their freedom of action for each entity in its national affairs.] DOMINIONS SECRETARIAT. SUGGESTED FOR LpNDON, LONDON, February 6. It is learnt that prominent members of Parliament Interested in Dominion affairs intend submitting proposals to Mr. Baldwin to create a stronger Dominion representation in London. They suggest establishing « Dominions Secretariat. The question will be dtscuhaed atthe Imperial Conference. It is understood , that Downing Street would welcome a rearrangement, but there are many difficulties. It would Ilka the Dominions to have representatives in London of such status that, after communicating with their respective Prime Ministers, they should got together here in the form of an Imperial Conference, whereby they would directly inform Cabinet of the Dominions’ attitude. The question, however, is whether ail the Dominions are prepared to give their representatives the necessary status.