A.—4a.

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

CONFEKENCE WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SELF-GOVERNING DOMINIONS ON THE NAVAL AND MILITARY DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE. 1909.

I.—CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE SUMMONING OF THE CONFERENCE. No. 1. NEW ZEALAND. The GOVERNOE to the SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 9.50 a.m., 22 March, 1909.) Telegram. [Answered by Nos. 2, 3, and 4.] With feelings of pride and satisfaction I transmit to your Lordship following message :— " Government of New Zealand offer to bear cost of immediate building and arming by the British Government of one first-class battleship of the latest type. If subsequent events show it to be necessary will also bear cost of second warship of the same type. —Ward, Prime Minister." —Plunket.

No. 2. NEW ZEALAND. The SECRETARY OF STATE to the GOVERNOR. (Sent 1.40 p.m., 22nd March, 1909.) Telegram. Please hasten to assure your Prime Minister that his message has been received by me with the highest appreciation of the generous and spontaneous offer made on behalf of New Zealand. It will be at once laid before His. Majesty's Government. —Crewe.