CANADA’S FIRM ATTITUDE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 23 June 1926, Page 9

CANADA’S FIRM ATTITUDE.

Freedom of Diplomatic

Action.

IMPORTANT POINTS DECIDED.

An*tr*ll«a ina N.Z. C.ibl» Association. By Cable —Press Association 'JopyrigM (Received Juno 22, 7.30 p.m.) OTTAWA, June 21.

Canada's international status and position in tlie Empire was brought up in tho House of Commons on Monday, on the motion of the Premier, Mr Mackenzie King, asking approval of tho principle that before His Majesty’s Canadian Ministers advise tho ratification of a treaty or convention, affecting Canada, or signify the acceptance of any Treaty, convention or agreement, involving military or economic sanctions, tho approval of the Parliament of Canada should bo secured. "With tho allimportant question of negotiations, signature and ratification of international agreements already agreed to by the Parliaments of Great Britain, Australia, South Africa, and other Dominions, tho Premier hoped tho House would give approval to the motion, which was brought forward at this time because the Imperial Conference had been called to meet in October. PARLIAMENT MUST APPROVE, CANADA’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS TREATIES. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright Australian and KZ. Cabla Association (Received June 22, 5.5 p.m.) OTTAWA, June 21. “Wo stand first and foremost always for the approval of the Parliament of Canada,” the Prime Minister declared, stating the policy of the Government in regard to the ratification of treaties involving military and economic sanctions. He said: “By consulting Parliament on great questions wo shall here maintain, without the possibility of division or difference the relations between the different parts of the great Empire. Wo shall be able to further, in the most effective way, unity within our own country, and unity within the British Empire itself.”

: The Prime Minister intimated that the Locarno treaties would be under discussion at the next Imperial Conference. Up to the present Canada had not signified acceptance of the agreements nor would she until after the Conference.

The point is that the Government will take up tho -position regardless of the decision reached, that Parliament will be asked to approve of tho acceptance of tho Locarno Pact, before Canada becomes a party to it. Mr King’s motion on Canada’s international status within the Empire was approved without division.