THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13108, 17 May 1911, Page 3

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

CANADA'S PROPOSALS;

STATUS OF FOREIGN CONSULS

[Press Association—^Copyright.]

(Received May 16, 5,35 p.m.) London, May 16.

"The Times," commenting on Sir Wilfrid Laurier's suggestions for discussion at the Imperial Conference, an improved All Red route and a clearer dlefinition of the status _of foreign consuls-general, says British Minister? are equally as eager as their overseas colleagues to deal with the former question. On the second Canada's view is that consuls should be recognised as semi-diplomatic agents for direct communication in questions affecting Canadian interests While no British statesman desirojs to ]jmit Canadian autonomy, no part of the Empire ought to have relations with foreign Powers unless it is prepared to face the full responsibility for its own diplomacy. The semi-diplomatic activities of foreign consuls-genqral may at any time give rise to questions affecting the Empire's interests.