IMPERIAL CONSULTATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19101, 20 August 1925, Page 8

IMPERIAL CONSULTATION.

In general, Sir James Allen's comments on Sir Robert Borden's proposals for improvements in Imperial consultation are sound. The thorough discussion of the proposals by all the Dominions is highly desirable, for they point the way to a practicable method. That the Dominions' delegates to the League of Nations should meet in London to formulate a joint policy for forthcoming League conferences is an obviously wise provision. To give High Commissioners rank as Privy Councillors, with a view to their participating in special Cabinet meetings, commends itself. As Sir James Allen's comment suggests, what was done during the war when Imperial defence was discussed may well be given constitutional permanence for Imperial purposes during peace. These departures are calculated to promote unity and efficiency in the Empire's handling of pressing problems in foreign policy. Already Mr. Baldwin has shown, by what ho has done, particularly in calling the High Commissioners together in consultation with himself and the Foreign Secretary, the practicability of some such arrangement. Sir James Allen's objection to the High Commissioner being a Cabinet Minister is not, however, well taken. There is good reason for this supreme representative, advised and advising in Imperial affairs, being a member of his Dominion's Cabinet. The consultation is between Governments, and the spokesman should be in the closest touch with the views of the Government of the day and in its complete confidence. This calls for his having Cabinet status and responsibility, as giving the simplest and most logical relationship. Of course "he must forget party politics and adopt an Empire outlook," but his being a Cabinet Minister does not necessarily preclude that. Every politician should so approach Imperial questions, putting the Empiro above party. Any other attitude is unworthy, particularly in one of Cabinet rank. In discharging the duty of this consultative office, the Dominions' representative would listen and speak as such. There might be, it is true, divergent views in the land he represented, but the whole scheme of political action rests upon the assumption that the party in power can and does voice the dominant opinion. That opinion he would express and expound, and so contribute to a discussion calculated to focus the prevailing thought in the various Dominions and to formulate a harmonious, coherent and practicable foreign policy for the whole Empire.