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" 2. That in the event of danger arising in future to the overseas shipping of the Empire through an attempt by a foreign country to discriminate against the British flag the Governments of the Empire will consult together as to the best means.of meeting the situation." The Need for resisting Unfair Flag Discrimination. The Chairman, in introducing this resolution, said that their whole discussion on shipping communications had emphasized the vital importance to every part of the Empire of the mercantile marine, that essential factor in the complex of Empire trade. Any attack upon Imperial shipping was, in point of fact, an attack on the common interest of trade within the Empire. British shipping had always taken the attitude that given a fair field they were prepared to face any competition, but that shipping should be subjected to unfair discrimination was not reasonable. In the past there had been numerous attempts at such discrimination, and the Chairman cited examples. He pointed out that there was undoubtedly to-day a serious risk in a number of countries of discrimination against shipping, which, though general in character, was bound to hit British shipping hardest every time. The purpose of the resolution before the Conference was to ensure that when any such attack should be made there should be consultation between the units of the Empire, of course, leaving it to each Government to decide what actual steps it should take. After a brief discussion the resolution was unanimously adopted.
No. 17. New Zealand, Dominions No. 218. My Lord,— Downing Street, 12th May, 1924. I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, to be laid before your Ministers, copies of resolutions adopted by the Imperial Economic Conference regarding the Imperial Shipping Committee. These resolutions are set out on pages 331-332 of the Record of Proceedings of the Conference (Cmd. 2009.) 2. His Majesty's Government fully appreciate the value of the work of the Imperial Shipping Committee, and readily endorse these resolutions. I have, &c., J. H. THOMAS. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.B , 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.
Enclosure. Resolutions adopted. On the motion of Mr. Massey, seconded by Mr. Bruce, the following resolution was agreed to : — " That this Imperial Economic Conference desires to convey to Sir Halford Mackinder, as Chairman of the Imperial Shipping Committee, and to the members of that Committee an expression of its appreciation of the very excellent work which they have done during the period of the Committee's existence, both in the interests of the commercial and producing communities and of British citizens generally." At their thirteenth meeting, held on the 23rd October, 1923, the Conference adopted the following resolution " That this Imperial Economic Conference is of opinion,— "1. That the work accomplished by the Imperial Shipping Committee is convincing proof of the wisdom of its establishment, and that it is of the highest importance to the Empire that this work should continue. " 2. That it is therefore desirable to maintain the Committee on its present basis, deriving authority from, and responsible to, the Governments represented in the Imperial Conference."
No. 18. New Zealand, No. 94. My Lord, — Downing Street, 28th May, 1924. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's despatch, No. 70, of the sth April, submitting, for the acceptance of His Majesty the King, a copy of Volume IV of " The New Zealand History of the War." 2. His Majesty has had much pleasure in placing this volume with the preceding ones, and I have it in command to convey an expression of his best thanks for the gift. I have, &c., J. H. THOMAS. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.
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