9

A.—4a,

expressed, and, in pursuance of resolution of that body, two Ministers, as already announced, will shortly go to London to discuss with Admiralty best method of carrying out that resolution. My Ministers have not sufficient information to warrant them in advising as to necessity for such a formal Conference as that suggested, but there would be no objection to postpone visit till July so as to suit convenience of Imperial Government. —Grey.

No. 16. AUSTRALIA. The GOVERNOR-GENERAL to the SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 9.20 a.m., sth May, 1909.) Telegram. [Answered by No. 20.] Your telegram of 30th April.* Government of Commonwealth of Australia concurs in views of His Majesty's Government and will send delegation representing Commonwealth Government at proposed Conference on Military and Naval defence. —Dudley.

No. 17, NEW ZEALAND. The GOVERNOR to the SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 11.56 a.m., 7th May, 1909.) Telegram. [Answered by No. 20.] Naval Defence. Your telegram of 30th April.* The following is from my Ministers :— To enable Ministers to attend as requested, an early Session of Parliament would be necessary, with the object of obtaining supplies and adjourning during the absence of Ministers in England; this adjournment being absolutely necessary inasmuch as this is a new Parliament and is the first Session of that Parliament. If it is necessary that New Zealand should be represented, it would be desirable that the date should be fixed not earlier than the last week in July. On receipt of reply from the Home Government, Parliament will be called for the 10th June for the purpose of considering the matter, that being the earliest possible date under the existing prorogation. The opinion of Ministers here is that the representation of all parts of the Empire at the Conference is essential, and that the course the Home Government is taking is the right one and is in the best interests of the Empire. They recognise that it would be a matter of much regret if. through not being able to postpone the meeting of the new Parliament, New Zealand could not be represented at the Conference. —Pltjnket.

No. 18. TRANSVAAL. The GOVERNOR to the SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 6.5 p.m., 10th May, 1909.) Telegram. [Answered by No. 30.] May 10th. Defence Conference With reference to Prime Minister's invitation t to representatives of South Africa Governments, General Botha writes

*No. 11. t No. 12.