IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19902, 23 September 1926, Page 9

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

THE ABSENCE OF CANADA. ANOTHER “CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUE.’’ (Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, September 21. (Received Sept. 22, at 0 p.m.) The possibility, however remote, of Canada's absence from the Imperial Conference has aroused discussion of a delicate constitutional question, and even Downing Street is uncertain whether the conference can legitimately be hold in such circumstances. It is stated authoritatively that the constitutional aspect, if it arose, would be a matter for consultation with the Dominions Office, the dominions concerned, and later for discussion with the Prime Ministers attending with a view to a mutual settlement. A precedent does not exist for dealing with the situation which was apparently not contemplated when the resolution was framed in 1907 initiating the Imperial Conferences. Canada’s London office has cabled to Ottawa for information. The Dominions Office anticipates that the position will bo clarified in a few days, and points out that though Mr Mackenzie King himself may not be able to attend owing to the parliamentary situation, there is nothing to prevent the sending of deputies when exceptional circumstances arise. Mr Mackenzie King, in a message to the Daily News, says: “So long as the present Government remains in office I prefer lo make no statement whatever regarding the Impelial Conference or other current political, matters.” The Daily News comments on the fact that Mr King is technically not Prime Minister, and therefore prefers to be silent. The paper adds : “It will create an embarrassing situation if ho holds aloof from Hie conference. Such action will he widely interpreted as a slight to the Empire at a moment when new relationships are evolving between the constituent parts and other nations.” —Sydney Sun Cable.