A.—2

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4. In the view of the Forestry Commissioners, considerable advantages will ensue to the work of afforestation in all parts of the Empire if general support is given to the association by the various Forest Services and individual forest officers. 5. The Commissioners propose to undertake, certain work which will later be transferred to the Bureau, but the expenses will be met from their own funds, so that no question of contribution by the oversea Governments will arise until the Bureau is to be established. The main lines of the work will be : — ((/.) The collection before the next Conference of as much information as possible with regard to the. world's soft-wood supplies ; in this they trust that they will have the co-operation of all the Forest Services ; and (/;.) The co-ordination and dissemination of information regarding forestry research, experiment, and statistical work in progress throughout the Empire : certain reports have been already furnished to the Commissioners, and it is hoped that others will follow. G. I have also to state that, in accordance with the recommendations of the Imperial Conference, the Forestry Commissioners are proceeding with a survey of the forest resources of Great Britain, and that they hope that similar surveys are in progress or will be undertaken in all parts of the Empire, in order that the information may be collated in time for the next Conference. I have, &c, WINSTON S. CHURCHILL. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. The foundation of the Empire Forestry Association, of which lI.M. the King has graciously consented to be patron and H.R.H. the Prince of Wales to be first president,, is the direct result of the deliberations of the Imperial Forestry Conference of 1920, which drew pointed attention to the fact that the absence of a continuous and constructive forest policy in many parts of the Empire is leading to the gradual destruction of their great sylvan resources without adequate provision for renewal. Owing, moreover, to the lack of easily accessible information regarding the durability, yield, and suitability for commercial use of various classes of timber, and to a certain want of co-operation in forest matters between the United Kingdom, the Dominions, and colonies, the Empire undoubtedly is not reaping the full advantage of the capital assets with which it has been so richly endowed by nature. So far as regards the adoption of a scientific forest: policy, responsibility must rest chiefly on the various Governments and official Departments concerned. But their task will be lightened if non-official agencies, such as those which already exist overseas, set themselves to educate public opinion on the subject of forestry and to supplement official activities by creating a general " forest conscience," which In due time will insist upon the prudent husbanding of the imperial forest wealth and upon the advantageous utilization of the various commercial timbers grown within the confines of the Empire. It is in order to serve as a link between associations and individuals engaged in the work of forestry in all parts of the Empire, and to arouse public interest in this important subject, that the Empire Forestry Association has been founded, with a. governing Council representative of the United Kingdom, the Dominions, India, the Crown colonies and protectorates. Not the least important of the association's duties will lie the collection and publication of facts as to existing forest conditions and the future timber requirements of the Empire, coupled with the organization of meetings for the discussions of problems connected with the growth and utilization of timber. The formation of the association has met with the approval of all the Agents-General and other representatives of the Dominions and colonies; while the granting of a Royal charter indicates that official opinion regards the association worthy of countenance and encouragement.

No. 22. New Zealand, Dominions No. 297. My Lord, — Downing Street, 17th August, 1922. I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that the Joint Select Committee on the Guardianship, &c, of Infants Bill (House