UNITY OF THE EMPIRE

Taranaki Daily News, 23 November 1929, Page 11

UNITY OF THE EMPIRE

CONFERENCE IN LONDON. IMPORTANT PROPOSALS MADE. London, Nov 12. • After sitting daily in secret for six weeks the Imperial Legislative Conference of Experts, it is understood, is nearing it conclusion. Although nothing has been made public since the conference commenced, except the -formal communique on the ripening rday, tho experts have almost completed the draft of a document which, in the words used by tho Prime Minister, Mr. MacDonald, in the House Of Commons, in connection with his conversations with the'Canadian Prime Minister, Mr. Mackenzie King, will be of '"most vital interest; Hot’ only to the Empire, but to tho whole world.” This document will contain a number of proposals for preserving the Empire’s unity and allegiance in spirit, while recognising tho development of nationality. . It is likely that these proposals will be submitted to tho 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 bo little alteration, and that the proposals will eventually be submitted to the 103'0 Imperial Conference for adoption. Legislation will then be necessary by the Imperial Parliament. . Meanwhile, no decision has been reached as to whether the proposals., will be made public. * , .. It is understood tha 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 representative:is Professor Sir Harrison Moore, of Melbourne. Tho delegates from South Africa and tho Irish Free State, 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, to ensure that tho final drafting would bo fully satisfactory. Tho draft document brings up to date the Colonial Laws Validity Act, 1865, in the light of existing relations within the British Commonwealth, and lays down proposals in connection with tho principles which it considers should govern, in tho general, interest,’tho practice and legislation relating to merchant shipping throughout the Empire. ■