THE DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1428, 9 December 1886, Page 2

THE DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE

[REUTER S TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT ] London', December 7 The aubfwAnce of » e despatch, dated ■'s h Novoioher. addlesaed hy the Sear--t*ry of is taro to the Governors of 'he colonies, r fers to the allusions made bv the Q Men’s speech of September 25 h t> be colonies It states the imperial G>v earnout -as g yen mature coostd 'ration, and concluded to advise th« Queen to summon a cou p e ence to meet to London In April or May next, to wh ch representatives of the princio J colo.oes .m 1! bo invited, to special! discuss questions of common interest I f is not intended to commit the Imperii Government or the colonial Governmm's to new proposals entailing heavy expense, mt rather to secure ihn fullest utilisation of sums devoted for defence In time of peace it would he usual to consider the promotion of telegraoh able extension o ■ a complete Imperial system embracing all par's of the Empire, and avoiding increase of expense. The Colonial Secretary hopes to receive the cordial co-operation of the colonies, as the vrovernmant think the question ‘ urgent, and capable of useful consideration. In organising military defence. The. time has arrived for an understanding to prepare for defence throughout the Empire, and it is hoped the Conference will recommend a principle for promoting the general de fence of the Empire. The despatch deprecates any discussion by the 0 inference on the question of politic d federation of the Empire. The Conference will be ‘purely consultative, and equal representation of the colonies therefore, will not be essential. It is suggested that a feur leading colonists, besides the Agenta-General, should aDond, the Secratary of State to be President of the Conference.