A.—4a
10
that along with colleagues he deeply appreciates courtesy of invitation, and is anxious to accept it on behalf of Transvaal Government. He points out that, as* you anticipate, in view of impending changes here it will not be possible for any of South African Premiers to take very active part in Conference or to adhere to any policy by which future Union Government might seem to be bound. At the same time it is agreed by General Botha and his colleagues that the presence of South African representatives at Conference will make it more complete, and may help future Union Government in formulating some general scheme of South African defence as far as possible in harmony with systems in other parts of the Empire. They suggest that delegates from Conference who have to go to London in connection with South Africa Bill should leave South Africa end of June, and arrive in London middle of July. Arrangements would then be made by members of the Government who are on the delegation for the proper representation of the Transvaal at sittings of the Defence Conference. I should add that I have not yet received from President of Convention a formal reply to my letter expressing hope that delegation will arrive in London not later than July 17, but I believe your invitation for that date will be accepted. —Selborne.
No. 19. CANADA. ATTSTEALIA. The SECRETARY OF STATE to the GOVERNORS-GENERAL. Telegram. (Sent 6.15 p.m., 10 May, 1909.) [Answered by Nos. 22 and 24.] 10th May. Confidential. [To Canada only. Commonwealth Government concur in views of His Majesty's Government and will send delegation.] Government of New Zealand earnestly desire to attend Conference, but point out that their Minister cannot attend until the new Parliament has been convened and has voted supplies, and that consequently the date of Conference in London should be fixed not earlier than the last week of July. New Zealand Government believe course proposed by His Majesty's Government is in best interests of Empire and express the opinion, which His Majesty's Government share, that it would be a matter for much regret if New Zealand could not be represented through not being able to postpone the meeting of the new Parliament. His Majesty's Government trust, therefore, that it will be possible to arrange for the delegation from [Canada] [Australia] to attend at end of July. —Crewe.
No. 20. CANADA: AUSTRALIA: NEW ZEALAND. The SECRETARY OF STATE to the GOVERNORS-GENERAL and GOVERNOR. (Sent 2 p.m., 12th May, 1909.) Telegram. Your telegram [sth May], [7th May].* I desire, in name of Prime Minister and of His Majesty's Government to express their gratification at readiness of [Dominion], [Commonwealth] Government to take part in Conference. I hope that, as result of communications now proceeding, it will be possible shortly to fix, definitely, date for its meeting convenient to all Governments. — Crewe.
*Nos. 15, 16, and 17,