COLONIAL CONFERENCE

Otago Witness, Issue 2762, 20 February 1907, Page 25

COLONIAL CONFERENCE

STATEMENT BY MR CHURCHILL.

LONDON, Februai-y 16

Mr Harold Cox (Liberal), member for Preston, moved in the Houee of Commons that it is desirable that the Colonial Conference should discuss the impoitance of the colonies more fully participating in the cost of defending the Empire. Mr Balfour, in speaking on the motion, said Parliament ought not to treat this matter in a bargaining spirit. He did not believe that the Naval Estimates would be diminished by a farthing if Britain lost the self-governing colonies. While the colonies through the Impel ial connection acquired great strength and security, yet the connection also involved some dangers ! owing to the Empire touching world ' politics on many points not directly con- ! cerning the colonies. It was impossible seriously to ask the colonies to vote money I which somebody else would spend. A mort, possible proposal would bs to arranga a treaty under which the colonies would transfer their troops and ships to Imperial control in the event of Imperial complications, though he earnestly deprecated even piecing that. While not abandoning the hope of closer political relations between the Motherland and the colonies, that ideal was not now in sight. The loose organisation of the Empire had its advantages and disadvantages ; but he was sure that it would be better to rely on volun- . tary assistance than attempt to give it a rigid and involuntary character. They could g£t more out of the loyal, voluntary, and patriotic enthusiasm of the colonies than any hard and fast organisation. — (Cheers). Mr Winston Churchill (Under -secretary for the Colonies) ascribed Mr Balfour's speech as being inspired by profound political wisdom, and said though the services which the Motherland and the colonies mutually rendered were very great it would be wrong to draw invidious comparisons respecting the contributions and benefits reciprocally interchanged. The Empire was not a business proposition, but was based on the principle of a family, not a syndicate. The Motheiland declined to haggle or bargain with her children respecting the precise amount of their military contribution, or regarding commercial treaties. Without the colonies Britain would still be compelled to maintain a fleet. While he deprecated any hard commercial bargain, he held that it was the duty of the colonies to contribute as the occasion arose to their common . defensive needs. Mr Churchill went on to say : "We make no demand whatever. They give voluntarily ; 'we accept gladly. , We are content to wait for the solid and , broadening harvest of future years." I The amendment was withdrawn. | The press generally applauds the policy advocated by Mr Balfour and Mr Churchill regarding Impel ial defence. I