A.—7.

manifest to all the value of freedom as the source of individual self-realization, of national power, oi enduring international co-operation, is more fully realized than ever before. In bunging about the realization of the abiding value of freedom and in reinterpreting oemocracy m relation to new needs, you, Prime Minister, I may venture to observe, have played a foremost part. Problems op Special Concern to Canada. I shall not, at this time, make any special reference to the problems which are of special concern to Canada beyond stating that economic conditions are definitely improving, though we are still faced with the aftermath of war and depression in the form of a difficult unemployment and relief situation. One outcome of the depression has been to increase sectional stress and strain and to bring to the surface problems which may require some readjustment of the financial and constitutional relations between the Dominion and ihe Provinces. Foremost among our present tasks is the careful study and adjustment of the problems which arise from the differences in the economic situation in various parts of the Dominion, and the_ working of our federal system of government with its division of legislative and administrative authority. The maintenance and extension of national unity is a task of primary importance. It is a task in which progress is being made. Fortunately these pioblems lie within our own boundaries. Our relations with other members of the Commonwealth present no special difficulties and have, we are glad to state, never been more cordial than they are at the present time. Barriers to International Trade. The international situation will be reviewed in detail at later sessions. I shall, therefore not make any reference to it at this point, beyond expressing 1 our firm conviction that enduring peace cannot be achieved without economic appeasement, that political tension will not lessen without abatement of the policies of economic nationalism and economic imperialism Ihe countries here represented have, I feel, a definite responsibility to join with other countries willing to co-operate in a concerted effort to avoid increasing tariffs or exchange or quota controls, and to lessen, in every practicable way, the barriers to international trade. TT . j ana d& we have endeavoured to open the channels of trade. Negotiations with the United States, and more recently with the linited Kingdom, led to substantial reductions m our tariff rates. In no instance were concessions to either country effected by raising ciuties against any other country. At the same time we have greatly liberalized' customs administration We hope to be able to continue on these lines with countries both within and without the Commonwealth and thus contribute in the measure of our power to the revival of trade and the consequent removal of international friction and conflict. Conclusion. . T . his Conference and the Coronation are closely linked in more than point of time It is of interest to recall that every Imperial Conference in the strict sense of that term was held in the reign of George V, and that these Conferences contributed notably to the recognition of equality and co-operation within the Commonwealth. It is our belief that the series of Conferences beginning under George VI will bring an equal contribution to continuous co-operation among the peoples of the Commonwealth, and we trust, an enduring contribution to peace and co-operation among all nations of goodwill. STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA. R W U Tlf i n - J - A - Lyons: The Commonwealth of Australia is proud to be associated with this Imperial Conference, coming, as it does, immediately after the Coronation of Their Majesties, the King and Queen, for whom, in unmistakable manner, all the Dominions have Wfiw? the" loyalty and affection. Australia joins whole-heartedly with the other members o± this Conference m reaffirming that loyalty. Tribute to His Late Majesty King George V. ~1 wish to associate Australia with what Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Mackenzie King have said about the late King George V. It was my proud privilege to know him personally and I came to realize his sterling qualities both as a King and as a man. All of us here appreciate the magnitude of the self-sacrificing services he rendered to the Empire during one of the most difficult periods of its history. In Australia he was loved and respected His noble example of duty will, I know, be an inspiration to his son in the great task to which he has dedicated himself. Constitutional Developments. , * I speak for all sections of the Australian people when I sav that we come to this Imperial Conference as willing partners in a great enterprise, the success of which will depend upon a spirit of co-operation, based upon mutual interest One of the most conspicuous features of the period since the last Imperial Conference has been the increasing participation in international affairs by the Dominions as sovereign nations. &

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