ARBITRATION TREATY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6491, 10 April 1908, Page 6

ARBITRATION TREATY

BRITAIN AND AMERICA

RECOGNITION OF COLONIAL

RIGHTS,

IMPORTANT PROVISIONS.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (.Received April 9, 11 p.m.) WASHINGTON, April 9.

Tho Foreign Relations Committee of tho Senate reported favourably on the arbitration treaty between Britain and tho United States. This ensures ratification. LONDON, April 9. The “Morning Post’s” Washington correspondent sends tho text of the treaty. It has a currency of five years, and provides, like the treaty between tho United States and France, that before any question is submitted to The Hague Convention a spedal agreement must bo concluded defining the matter in dispute and other formalities. Tho treaty embodies two important additions to tho one with France. The first is that no such preliminary agreement is to bo binding on Britain until the terms are approved by the Senate and accepted by Britain, through an exchange of Notes. Tho second is still more important, namely, that Britain reserves the right before concluding a special agreement in any matter affecting the interests of a self-govern-ing Dominion to obtain the concurrence therein of the Government of that Dominion.

The “ Morning Post '' says this clause constitutes a welcome recognition of the position of the autonomous mem-, hers of the Empire. The “ Post ” emphasises the need of some organisation within the Empire, representing unity of aim in policy between Britain and other nations and States.