“NOT OUR BUSINESS.”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 1 May 1926, Page 9

“NOT OUR BUSINESS.”

CANADA AND THE EMPIRE. PROBLEM FOR IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. By Cable—Fress Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association. LONDON, Apnl 29. Information i'rom the highest authority indicates that the attitude uf certain Dominions at tile Imperial Conference regarding the Empire’s constitution navy prove a bombshell. It is anticipated that Canada is likely to disclose a desire for largoi autonomy, and tell the conference that the. time is ripe for an independent Canadian nationhood, and is not prepared to compromise thereon. Her attitude may be summed up as: “Britain’s entrance into a European war would not be our business, and wo refuse to recognise thuL Canada, even technically, is at war.” 'This is interpreted to mean that Canada can not accept nationhood within the Empire. It is unlikely that Britain and the other Dominions will aLtempt to in hueiice Canada, because they do not desire to bully anybody. Canadian circles, in London declare that they are unaware that Canada is adopting such an attitude, and arc disinclined to believe that she will suggest a breakaway. Political circies are also devoting attention to the rumours concerning what is described as an “autonomy bloc.’’ wherein, 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’* support, thereby over-riding Australia and New Zealand.

This move, however, at present is not causing concern, becauso it is believed that Genera] Hertzog’s outhurst merely aims at excusing liimsell to the electors for attendance at the Imperial Conference. Whatever happens, it is expected that the Conference will be the scene of heated, probably a. dramatic, discussion of constitutional relations, which nr© recognised througho-at tiie Empire as analagou.s