A.—2

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tinue, as agreed at the last Imperial Cinference, to consult the dominions on all questions of foreign policy which affect them individually, Ministers do not think it is necessary to have a Union Minister in constant attendance at the Imperial Defence Committee. 6. It is always open to the Union Government either to seek advice from the Imperial Defence Committee in writing, or, in more important cases, to ask for a personal consultation between that Committee and the representative of the Union Government. In the latter case, undoubtedly the more convenient course, at any rate so far as the Union is concerned, would be that either" the Prime Minister or the Minister or Ministers whose Departments are more specially concerned should visit London for the purpose of such consultation. Louis Botha.

No. 8. The Secretary of State to the Governors-General and Governors [Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Newfoundland]. My Lord [Sir], — Downing Street, 20th March, 1913. With reference to my telegram and despatch of the 10th December last [See No. 1 and footnote thereto], I have the honour to transmit to Your Royal Highness [Your Excellency] [you], to be laid before your Ministers, a copy of a despatch [No. 7] from the Governor-General of the Union of South Africa forwarding a minute from his Ministers on the subject of the representation of the self-governing dominions on the Committee of Imperial Defence. I have, &c, L. Harcourt.

No. 9. Newfoundland.—The Governor to the Secretary of State. (Received 21st April, 1913.J Sir, — Government House, St. John's, Bth April, 1913. With reference to your despatch of the 10th December, 1912 [No. I], with respect to the representation of the dominions on the Committee of Imperial Defence, I have the honour to transmit copy of a letter received from the Colonial Secretary on the subject. I have, &c, W. E. Davidson. Enclosure in No. 9. Sir, — Colonial Secretary's Office, St. John's, Newfoundland, 2nd April, 1913. Referring to despatch of date 10th December last [No. I], from the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, regarding the representation of the dominions on the Committee of Imperial Defence, I have the honour to intimate that the arrangement made with the Dominion of Canada would be agreeable to Your Excellency's Ministers—namely, that we see no difficulty in Ministers from this colony when in London putting themselves in touch with the Imperial Defence Committee. As regards the matter of the establishment of a local Defence Committee, I may say that this will engage the attention of Ministers at a later date. I have, &c, R. Watson, Colonial Secretary. His Excellency Walter Edward Davidson, Esq., C.M.G., &c, Governor. No. 10. The Secretary of State to the Governors-General and Governor [Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Union of South Africa], My Lord [Sir],— Downing Street, 2nd May, 1913. With reference to my despatch of the 20th March [No. B], I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency [you], for the information of your Ministers, a copy of a despatch [No. 9] from the Governor of Newfoundland on the subject of the representation of the self-governing dominions on the Committee of Imperial Defence. I have, &c, L. Harcourt. No. 11. New Zealand.—The Governor to the Secretary of State. (Received 28th July, 1913.) Sir,— _ Government House, Wellington, 19th June, 1913. With reference to your despatch of the 10th December last [No. I], relative to the representation of the self-governing dominions on the Committee of Imperial Defence, I have the honour to inform you that I have received a communication from my Prime Minister intimating that my Government do not consider it advisable at present for' a permanent appointment to be

No. 10. The Secretary of State to the Governors-General and Governor [Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Union of South Africa], My Lord [Sir],— Downing Street, 2nd May, 1913. With reference to my despatch of the 20th March [No. B], I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency [you], for the information of your Ministers, a copy of a despatch [No. 9] from the Governor of Newfoundland on the subject of the representation of the self-governing dominions on the Committee of Imperial Defence. I have, &c, L, Harcourt.

No. 11. New Zealand.—The Governor to the Secretary of State. (Received 28th July, 1913.) Sir, — _ Government House, Wellington, 19th June, 1913. With reference to your despatch of the 10th December last [No. I], relative to the representation of the self-governing dominions on the Committee of Imperial Defence, I have the honour to inform you that I have received a communication from my Prime Minister intimating that my Government do not consider it advisable at present for' a permanent appointment to be