IN THE PUBLIC EYE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2726, 22 March 1916, Page 5

IN THE PUBLIC EYE

(Rec-. March 22, 0.55 a.m.)

London, March 21

Mr. Hughes's striking speeches have stirred up British public opinion, which is becoming increasingly interested iu the, problems of the Dominions. Tho newspapers are giving prominence to Mr. Hughes's speeches, referring gratefully to their determined Some of the newspapers are. comparing the prevailing slackness oj; British govern* ing circles upon Empiro subjects, and publishing criticisms of Mr. Asquith, challenging the Government that it is hesitating to invite Mr. Hughes to attend tho Allies' Economic Conference at Paris upon "full representative terms. , It is certain that Mr. Hughes; will not attend the Paris Conference if invited as a mere onlooker, without the powers worthy of the representative of a great Dominion.' 'Although Mr. Bouar Law's speech about "a bi« step being found as easy as a little one" is regarded as an indication of something in the nature of a .permanent ar* raiigeinent for the Dominions'; voice being heard after the war in the Councils of Empire, it must be remem> bored that Mr. Bonar Lnw emphasises tho point that he was not speaking for tho Government.

. Mr. Hughes Ims given no details of his definite proposals for closer relations, nor have the Canadian, South African, or New Zealand views been disclosed. All realise .that India's claims, Japan's position, and the problem of the Pacific are closely bound up with the solution of this most dolicato and vital problem. It is understood that Mr. Hughes has not yet submit, ted definite proposals, and may possibly delay their submission until after the war. • Some people consider that in view of the Government's unwillingness to deal ivith the matter urgently, the whole of the questions affecting the status,of the Dominions on matters of foreign policy mkht he remitted to a post-war Imperial Conference. It is olear that Imperial Government favours a

postponement of the settlement of th'a questions of closer relations until tho end of the war, and therefore, though a definite arrangement for tbe consideration of these by an Imperial Conference after <peace might be more likely to be accepted, all aspects of Imperial relations are being actively discussed In the newspapers and the political clubs.