CUTTING THE PAINTER

Otago Witness, Issue 3764, 4 May 1926, Page 55

CUTTING THE PAINTER

CANADA AND THE EMPIRE. MOMENTOUS CONFERENCE ISSUE* LONDON, April 29. Information from the highest authority indicates that the attitude cf certain dominions at the Imperial Conference regarding the Empire’s constitution may prove a bombshell. It is anticipated -that Canada is likely to disclose n desire for a larger measure of autonomy, and to tell the conference that the time is ripe for independent Canadian nationhood, and that she is not prepared to compromise on the subject. Her attitude may be summed up as ‘Britain’s entrance into a European war would not be our business, and we would refuse to recognise that Canada was even technically at war.” This is interpreted to mean that Canada will not accept nationhood within the Empire. It- is unlikely that Britain and the other dominions will attempt to influence 1 Canada, because they do not desire to bully anybody. Canadian circles in London declare that they are unaware of Canada adopting such an attitude, and are disinclined to believe that she will suggest a breakaway. Political circles are also devoting attention to the rumours concerning what is described as the autonomy bloc,” in which it is reported, Canada, South Africa, and the Irish Free State are combining to demand a freer hand. It is even suggested that the first two have secretly agreed to combine, hoping for Mr Cosgrave's support, and so overriding Australia and New Zealand. This move, however, is at present not causing concern, because it is believed that Mr Hertzog’s outbursts merely aim at excusing himself to the electors for attendance at the Imperial Conference. Whatever happens, it is expected thati the conference will be a scene of heated, probably dramatic, discussion of constitutional relations, vhich are recognised throughout the Empire as anomalous. SOUTH AFRICA’S STAND. CAPETOWN. April 22. Referring in the Union House of Assembly to-dav to the Imperial Conference, the Prime Minister, Mr Bertzog, emphatically asserted that it must be clearly understood that South Africa took its place in world affairs as a nation on an equal footing with the rest of the world. The fear must be removed, said Mr riertxog, from the dominions that if they made concessions they would be unwittingly harming their independent status. It has been rumoured in the lobbies that the Government will suggest the appointment of a South African as the next Governor-General.