EMPIRE PROBLEMS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1145, 5 June 1911, Page 5

EMPIRE PROBLEMS.

DISCUSSION AT THE CONFERENCE. DECLARATION OF LONDON. ITS RATIFICATION APPROVED. NAVIGATION AND EMIGRATION,

By Teleerapu—Press AssociatioD-Oopyrteht London, June 2. The discussion at the Imperial Conference was resumed to-day oil the following resolution by Mr. Fisher, tho Australian Prime Minister, regarding the Declaration of London-.— ''That it is regretted that the Dominions were not consulted prior to the acceptance by the British delegates of the terms of the Declaration of London; that it is not desirable that Great Britain should adopt tho inclusion in Article 21 of iooustull's, in view of the fact that so large a part of the trade of tho Empire is in those articles; that it is not desirable that Great Britain should adopt tho provisions of Articles 48-51, permitting tho destruction of neutral vessels." Sir Joseph Ward said he supported the Declaration because it reduced the risk to which foodstuffs were now exposed. The establishment of an International Court of Appeal would be a great improvement on a Belligerents' Court. The crux of tho wholo position was the maintenance of the British Navy, which must be kept so powerful that tho sea routes would be protected, and there was not the slightest chance but that the Declaration would pass the test. It was of material importance to consult tho Dominions on. these matters, in order to secure their opinions before decisions were finally reached. Ho regretted this had not been done in the present instance. Though all would have liked to bo consulted, they were not prepared to support the rejection of the Declaration. Dr. Findlay, Attorney-General of NewZealand, said the more the Declaration was examined tho more they would see how advantageous it was to Britain. It embodied British practice for a century with respect to foodstuffs. SIR E. GREY'S VIEWS. Sir Edward Grey, in concluding his speech, said tho Declaration was a step forward,- if the Conference refused to ratify it it would be a great, blow to the confidence of other nations in Britain as a Power. Hp was prepared to forward arbitration, but it was essential to go through with tho Declaration. "Our withdrawal," continued Sir Edward, "would be an incentive to others to proceed with international arrangements without us." Replying to a question by Mr. Fisher as to whether consultation would be confined to The Hague, Sir Edward Grey said consultation would be limited. "' There were cases of treaties where it would be difficult to consult, but, so far as could be done, the Government would do it. SPEECH BY SIR W. LAURIER. Sir Wilfrid Laurier said it was a farreaching proposition that tho Dominions should bo consulted with regard to treaties. Canada claimed tho liberty of negotiating her own commercial treaties. If that were conceded in regard to other treaties it might seriously embarrass the Homo Government. Britain carried the greater burden of Empire, and it would bo going too far if tho Oversea Dominions were consulted on matters which might result in war. He thought it would bo better to leavo the matter to the discretion of the Imperial Government. The Declaration would bo an immense advance. If Sir E. Grey concluded an arbitration treaty with America it would be the greatest act of his career. That consummation would perhaps be prevented if the Declaration was not ratified. General Botha (South Africa) said the Imperial Government should not definitely bind itself to foreign agreements without consulting the Dominions. He would not hesitate to vote against the Declaration if- it were against- the interests of tho Empire, but he believed the balance of the advantage was in favour of ratification. Sir E. Morris (Newfoundland) said Sir Edward Grey's promise to consult tho Dominions would be one of the most important results of the Conference. Britain would be a considerable gainer by the Declaration. MR. FISHER WITHDRAWS HIS MOTION. Mr. Fisher said he did not intend to hit either the Government or the Declaration. The Commonwealth held that certain features of the Declaration were bad, but did not attack its general trend. He was gratified at Sir E. Grey's definite promise to consult tho Dominions, and did not wish to press liis resolution. He and his colleagues had agreed as to the Declaration being a great advance, and ho thought it would be unwise to destroy it because it did not contain all that was desired. In withdrawing his motion, he substituted this for it:— "That this conference, after hearing Sir Edward Grey, cordially welcomes the proposal to consult the Dominions with regard to matters to be submitted to The Hague, and that conventions provisionally assented to there, be circulated for the Dominions' consideration. That similar procedure be taken where there is time and opportunity, and the subject permits, in regard to other negotiations affecting the Dominions." This was carried unanimously.

tho Conference. Whatever views its numbers might entertain in regard to tho particular provisions agreed to, on a general resolution of tho kind proposed ratification would not prejudice the freedom of advocating future improvements. MR FISHER'S ATTITUDE. Mr. Fisher said the Declaration was not before tho Conference for approval. The withdrawal of the original resolution meant nominal approval, but Sir Joseph Ward's motion asked for definite approval of something his Government was unable to approve wholly. It would bo wrong to abandon the Declaration, but that was a different thing from approving the whole. Mr. Asquith said the proposal was simply that tho Conference approve ratification. Mr. Fisher: Sir Edward Grey said the Declaration was settled and final. Mr. Asquith said it was not final in tho sense that no further progress could bo hereafter made. Mr. Fisher said thai while in Hie circumstances he 'was unable to give full approval to tho Declaration, lie would not oppose the motion for its ratification. Tho motion was carried, the Commonwealth delegates refraining from voting.