THE COLONIAL CONFERENCE-

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8792, 22 April 1907, Page 2

THE COLONIAL CONFERENCE-

Future Constitution.

Eress Association.-^-Copyright. London, April 20. . The question of the future constitution of the Conference has been settled after tlireo days’ discussion by the adoption of the following resolution, which Lord Elgin moved in substance, after debates on the resolutions submitted by the Commonwealth, the Cape and New Zealand, relative to the establishment of the Imperial Council had revealed the lines of a possible agreement. It will be to the advantage of the Empire if the Conference is called Impreial and is held everjsfour years to discuss and consider questions of common interest between his Majesty’s Government and his Majesty’s self-governing dominions ; the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to be. ex-officio president, the Prime . Ministers of the self-governing dominions and the Secretary of State for the Colonies ex-officio members, the last named taking the chair in the absence of the President, also arranging for the Conference Jafter consultation with the respective Premiers and such other Ministers as the respective Governments may appoint to be also members of the Conference, it being understood that except by special permission of the Conference the discussion to be conducted by not more than two representatives oi each Government, each Government having onlv one vote; that it is desirable to'' establish a system enabling the Government represeutec to bo informed between the conferences regarding matters whicl have been "or may be subjects .01 discussion by means of a permanent secretariat, charged under tin ■lirccticn of the Secretary of Stati ff -,r the Colonies with the duty 01 obtaining information for the use of the conferences; also attending to resolutions and conducting correspondence should of importance arise between the two or more Governments which cannot be postponed until the next conference, or involving subjects of a minor character, or requiring detailed considerations, a subsidiary conference shall bo held between the chosen representative of the Govern- 1 incuts, concerned. Details of Discussion. I London, April 21. A precis of the discussion revealed that warm debate took place before the question of the future constitution of the Conference was settled. Mr Deakin explained that he desired the constitution of the present conference under improved methods, and systematised procedure. A larger formation, greater efficiency, in creased dignity and prestige was desirable. He thought that occasionally the secretariat should be instructed to make direct ‘.inquiries on the matter of foreign policy closely touching the dependencies of the Empire. Though occasions might be extremely rare, yet they might bo very vital. Mr Uoakiu thought the secretariat should preferably consist of men of colonial experience, and practically bo appointed by the Conference. ‘There were many reasons why it was desirable that the secretariat should be detached] from the Colonial Office and transferred to the control of the Prime Ministers. Sir W. Laurior insisted that the secretariat ought to be covered as to Ministerial responsibility by the Colonial Office,

Sir Joseph Ward insisted as a cardinal principle of the Conference that it should have no power ?to interfere with the present rights of the j»elf-governing colonies. It was desirable that the autonomous colonies be placed in a different category from Crown colonies. Lord Elgin said he was delighted with every word of the suggestions, which indicated and desired an increase of tiie unity and strength of the Empire. It would bo very difficult for him to agree to the establishment of a body with independent status, as such a proposal might, endanger the autonomy of all. The Colonial Office would do its best _ to provide continuity for the Conference, and sonic reorganisation of the office was already under consideration.- Lord Elgin intimated that Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman had raised no objections to the Prime Minister being designated President of the Conference, but he was unable to agi’eo to the secretariat being under the Prime Minister’s control. Lord Elgin, Sir W. Lanrier, Sir J. Ward, and Mr Botha favoured quinquennial conferences. Messrs Deakin, Jameson, and Moore favoured a four years’ interval, which was adopted. Mr Deakin suggested the desirability of leaving it open for the Conference sometimes to appoint a senior Prime Minister to take the chair in the absence of the President.

Lord Elgin and Mr Churchill thought it preferable that the Premier of the British Government should preside. Lord Elgin stated that the secretariat staff would be part of the Colonial Office. Mr Deakin referred to the tendency of the Colonial Office to become imbued with principles of Government very foreign to and almost antagonistic ;to the principles on which the self-governing colonic 6 ' were conducted.

Sir Joseph Ward thought the autonomous dominions ought not to be placed on a par with Crown colonics.

Lord Elgin stated that he was'prepared to accept .Ministerial responsibility for tbo secretariat, and that he would endeavour to separate the departments of the Colonial Office so that -there would he a distinct division dealing with the affairs of the responsibly governed colonies. Ho intended to entrust an officer of his department with the responsibility for the work of the Imperial Conference during its sittings or in the interval.

Press Comment,

The Morning Post declares that an Imperial secretariat provided by the Colonial Office will he unable to fulfil the purposes of a secretariat responsible to the Conference itself. An independent secretariat, manned chiefly by nominees of the oversea governments is essential. The Morning Post deplores Sir W. Laurior‘s strange defection from the cause of Imperial alliance to that of bureau cracy

Ottawa, April 21.

Tho Toronto Globe declares that the purpose of the Imperial Conference is not executive action, but the interchange of ideas. Tho Fran co -Canad ian press is against tho creation of an Imperial Council -which would change the existing relations between the colonies and the Empire.

A Dinner Without Speeches

London, April 21

Sir H. Oamphell-Banuermau’s dinner to the Premiers was a brilliant function. Tho guests sat at an Eshaped table,'signifying tho'Empire. No speeches were made, it being a non-party assembly. Those present .included the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lords Alverstoue, Lansdowno. Jersey, Onslow, Tennyson and Carrington, also Mr Reeves,

Imperial Defence

Mr Haldane addressed the Conference upon the general principles of Imperial military organisation. The Premiers expressed general concurrence in the principles enunciated.

The Conference'resolved to recognise the right of any self-governing colony to consult the Committee of Imperial Defence upon any matter relating to its own protection and to be represented during the discussion of that question in order to explain the local position and the grounds on which the Committee’s advice is sought. This relates solely to questions affecting naval and military policy. The question of exchange of officers was also discussed and favourably viewed.