A GREAT IMPERIAL PROBLEM.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1106, 20 April 1911, Page 5

A GREAT IMPERIAL PROBLEM.

THE COMING CONFERENCE. FOREIGN POLICY. POSITION OF THE OVERSEAS DOMINIONS. By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright (Roc. April 20, 0.5 a.m.) London, April 19. "The Times," in a leading article regarding the, Imperial Conference, states that iho Dominions are being driven at dozens of points in the practical, world of politics on their own account, acquiring commercial and industrial interests, sometimes conflicting with Britain's. There could be no real security in any Imperial problem, whether of population, defence, or commerce, unless a mutual understanding was arrived at between the five nations. It was impossible to continue a system whereby foreign policy was a sealed book to all but one partner. It was necessary that the British Government should -give a frank explanation of British policy and suggest an arrangement whereby an understanding would be maintained whilo tho Conferenco was not in session. This was the real problem behind New Zealand's proposals. Fcreign policy hod hitherto been continuous whether tho Conservatives or Liberals wi-ro in office. It was necessary that tho policy should bo strengthened by becoming Imperial and securing tho conscious and continuous support of Iho Governments of the Overseas Dominions. It was allir.iportant that Sir Wilfrid Laurier sh.iul-1 l>3 able, to attend. 'Iho "Daily Mail" publishes a similar kider.