F.—Bc
No. 5. Telegram from the Premier of New Zealand to the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, dated the 4th October, 1903. Very pleased to hear you are disposed to accede to request to hold Pacific Cable Conference. With you I earnestly desire that the partners should meet and in friendly spirit discuss matters. When writing despatch of 11th May I felt very keenly interest other partners would be prejudiced by contemplated action of Commonwealth. From the reply of your predecessor I was not aware any soreness created by paragraphs 8 and 9 my letter 11th May, and regret any misapprehension possible, and, whilst at present adhering to the opinion expressed that result of proposed agreement entered into would be as stated, I, to facilitate partners meeting in friendly spirit, and accepting your overtures in spirit intended, frankly state no wrongful imputation on Commonwealth was intended, and desire paragraphs to which exception has been taken may be so construed.
No. 6. Cable from Sir Wilfred Lauriee, Ottawa, to Premier of New Zealand, dated 3rd October, " 1903. Canadian Government will join proposed Conference prevent ratification agreement with Eastern Telegraph Company.
No. 7. Cable received by the Premier, New Zealand, from the Premier op the Commonwealth, dated Melbourne, sth October, 1903. Thanks for your prompt and considerate reply. Where and when do you consider Conference should meet ? Deakin.
No. 8. Cable received by the Premier, New Zealand, from the Agent-General, dated London Bth October, 1903. Australian Government agree as to Conference for the discussion of the following matters in dispute: (1.) Agreement between Australia and Eastern Extension Company. (2.) Terminal rates. (3.) Customs duties charged on cable material. Expect that Colonial Office will take initiative as regards convening Conference and fixing time meeting, place, and personnel. I anticipate the Conference will be held in London, and that each partner will be represented by one delegate, not necessarily members of the Cable Board.
No. 9. The Premier, New Zealand, to the Agent-General, London, 13th October, 1903. In reply to your telegram of the 12th October, 1903, my cable a clerical error. Exceedingly pleased to hear Conference agreed to. Trust result- will be that the new agreement with the "Eastern Extension Company will not be ratified.
No. 10. Cable sent to the Hon. Mr. Deakin on the 13th October, 1903, by the Premier, New Zealand. I anticipate Colonial Office would wish Conference held in London, but if not in London it is only natural to suggest New Zealand.
No. 11. Resolution of the Fifth Congress of the Chambers of Commerce of the Empire respecting a Continuous State-owned Telegraph Girdling the Empire, passed at the Montreal Session, 21st August, 1903. That, in the opinion of this Congress, all the self-governing British communities around the globe should be united by a continuous chain of State-owned telegraphs. That such an inter-Imperial line of communication would, under Government control, put an end to the difficulty which has been caused in Australia by the allied cable companies, and remove all friction which has arisen between the partners in the Pacific cable; that it would lower charges to a minimum on over-sea messages passing between New Zealand, Australia, India, South Africa, the West Indies, Newfoundland, Canada, and the Mother-country ; that it would provide a double means of communication at low uniform rates between the Mother-country or any one British State and all self-govern-ing British States ; that it would constitute the most effective means by which the several governmental units of the Empire may hold communion with each other whenever they desire; and that, while it would be of the highest importance to the commercial and social interests of the" British people around the world, it would, by the subtle force of electricity, at once promote the consolidation of the Empire, and prove an indispensable factor in Imperial unity.
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