COLONIAL STATESMEN IN LONDON.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 22 April 1907, Page 2

COLONIAL STATESMEN IN LONDON.

t United Pbess Association.—Copzeiqht.] THE IAIPERIAL CONFERENCE. TLii FUTURE CONSTITUTION.

(Received April 22, 7.54 a.m ) LONDON, Sunday. The published precis of tha discussion at the Imperial Conference revealed that warm debates took place before the question of the future constitution of the Conference was settled. Mr Deakin (Australia) explained that ho desired the continuation of. the present Conference under improved methods, systemised procedure, larger formation, greater efficiency, and r increased dignity and prestige. He said it was desirable that occasionally the Secretariat should be instructed to make direct inquiries into matters of foreign policy closely touching the dependencies of the Empire. Though the occasions might be extremely rare, yet they would be very vital. Mr Deakin thought the Secretariat should preferably consist of men of colonial experience,' anrl practically be appointed by the Conference. There were many reasons -why it was desirable that the Secretariat should be detached from the Colonial Office and transferred to the Prime Minister. Sir Wilfrid Laurier (Canada) insisted that the Secretariat ought to be coverer by Ministerial responsibility, preferably by the Colonial Office Sir Joseph Ward (New Zealand) insisted, as a cardinal principle, that the Conference should have no power to Interfere with the present rights of' the self-governing colonies. It was desirable that the autonomous colonies should be place on a category different from the Crown colonieai. Lord Elgin, Secretary 6f State for the Colonies, said he was delighted with every word of the suggestion, which indicated a desire to increase the unity and the strength of the Empire. But it would be very difficult for him to agree to the establishment o£ a body with an independent 6tatus. Such a proposal might endanger the autonomy Of all. The Colonial Office would do its best to provide continuity to the Conference, and some reorganisation of the office was already under consideration. Lord Elgin intinmated that Sir H. C. Bannerman had raised no objection to the Prime Minister being designated as President of the Conference, bnt he was unable to agree to the Secretariat being under the Prime Minister's control. Lord Elgin, Sir Wilfrid Lanrier, Sir Joseph Ward, and General Botha (Transvaal) favoured a quinquennial Conference. Mr Deakin, Dr Jameson (Cape Colony), Mr F. A. Moor (Natal), urged a Conference every four years, and the latter was adopted. Mr Deakin suggested the desirableness of leaving the matter open for the Conference sometimes to appoint a senior Prime Minister to take the chair in the absence of the President. Lord Elgin and Mr Churchill (UnderSecretary for the Colonies) thought it preferable that the Premier of the British Government should preside. Lord Elgin stated that the Secretariat staff would be part of the Colonial Office. Mr Deakin referred to the tendency of the Colonial Office ftr become imbued with the principles of Government very foreign to, almost antagonistic to, the principles on which the self-governing colonies were conducted. Sir Joseph Ward thought the autonomous dominions ought not to be placed on a par with the Crown colonies. Lord Elgin stated that he was prepared to accept Ministerial responsibility for the Secretariat. He would endeavour to separate the departments of the Colonial Office, so that there should be a distinct division dealing with the affairs of the responsibly governed colonies. He intended to entrust an officer of his department with the responsibility for the work of the Imperial Conference during the sittings and in the interval. FURTHER PROCEEDINGS. THE QUESTION OF DEFENCE.