VITAL PLAN

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17116, 23 November 1929, Page 12

VITAL PLAN

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE TO RETAIN UNION LONDON, Nov. 18. After sitting daily in secret for six weeks, the Imperial Legislative Conference of Experts, it is understood, is nearing its conclusion. Though nothing has been made public since the conference commenced, except the formal communique on the opening day, the experts have almost completed the draft, of a document which, in the words used by tlie Prime AJinister, Mr. MacDonald, in the House of Commons, in connection with his conversations with the Canadian Prime Minister, Mr. Mackenzie King, will lie of “most; vital interest, not only to the Empire, but to the whole world.” This document will contain a number of proposals for preserving the Empire’s unity and allegiance in spirit, while recognising the development of nationaiit y.

It is likely that these proposals will be submitted to the Dominion Prime Ministers soon for examination and possible revision, as the conference is purely one of experts in an advisory capacity. It is clear, however, that there will be little alteration, and that the proposals will eventually bo submitted to the 1030 Imperial Conference for adoption. Legislation will then be necessary by the Imperial Parliament. ’ Meanwhile, no decision has been rMchcd as to whether the proposals will be made public.

AUSTRALIA ALERT It is understood that there has been much plain speaking. Indeed, it is described as the most outspoken and most comprehensive discussion at any Imperial meeting ever held. This was desired, but was only possible because it was a private conference, comprising delegates who have no power to commit their Governments, although every Dominion, except Australia and New Zealand had Cabinet Ministers there, in addition to experts, Australia’s chief reprosentalive is Professor Sir Harrison Moore, of Melbourne

South Africa and the Irish Free Stake, and, to a lesser extent, Canada, have been very frank, and generally dominated the conference. Australia was chiefly desirous of a watching brief, but'Australia’s representatives had to examine every point 1o ensure that the final drafting would be fully satisfactory.

The draft document brings up to date the Colonial Laws Validity Act, 1805, in the light of existing relations within the British Commonwealth and lays down proposals in connection with the principles which it considers should govern, in the general interest, the practice and legislatitfi relating to merchant shipping throughout the Empire.