The Dominion. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1916. EMPIRE REORGANISATION

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2845, 9 August 1916, Page 4

The Dominion. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1916. EMPIRE REORGANISATION

The, great problem of Imperial organisation was touched upon by the I rime Minister arid the Minister op Defence in speeches delivered in the House of Representatives yesterday morning. It is impossible to over-estimate tho importance of !ui S is highly desirable that it should be thoroughly discussed from every point of view. Aow is the time for the promulga11i fr ideas as to the nature ot tno problem and for the education of public opinion in order that use average citizen may be in a position to form an intelligent judgment regarding the merits and demerits of the various schemes of Jimpire adjustment which may be commended to his favourable con-. Iu t v Before the war is over the Imperial authorities will probably have had opportunities for personal consultation with Ministers worn all tho overseas Dominions, pis put them in possession ot sutftcient information to enable to form a fairly-sound'view itgardmg the goneral sentiment of - the Jimpire as to the need for a leadjustment of ths relationships between tho self-governing States of which it is composed. Mr. Allen gave expression to thoughts which have lately been passing through uhe minds of tho moro thoughtful and far-seeing in all parts of the British Dominions, when he declared that if our_ Empire is to remain an Em/pire its citizens must bo prepare to face and solve some difficult problems. Tho great central problem is tho crcation of a constitutionwhioh would bo a sure and solid foundation on- which, the Empire would stand firm and united for all time. Mr. Allen holds that this task will have to bo grappled with before many years have passed, and without going into details foreshadows tho creation of an Empire Constitution. He evidently feels that the present loose working arrangement, satisfactory as it has proved, will soon havo to be superseded by some definite, constitutional agreement. Tho Dominions are now permeated by a vigorous spirit of nationhood, and it is natural that they should look forward to a fuller share in the management of -the Empire's affairs. The war has given a powerful impetus to this movement. Tho Dominions do not regret or begrudge the sacrifices they aro making in this struggle for freedom and civilisation, but if they are to share the burden of war they ought to have a constitutional right to an effective voice in matters of foreign policy. It cannot bo said that there has been up to the present any marked evidence in New Zealand of any strong desire in this direction; but there is a growing opinion that readjustment will be necessary ere long. British statesmen realise that after the restoration of peace the problem of Empire reorganisation will have to be worked out. Mr. Asquith made an important pronouncement to this effect in a recent speech on the Homfe Rule question, and in another part of this issue we publish a statement by Mr. Lloyd George to the effect that the war is paving the way for the federation ,of the Empire. "As it was before, it will never be again." Mr. Massey's reference to the Empire problem was less definite ihan Mr. Allen's. The note of urgency was absent. The Prime Minister preferred to dwell upon the tics of blood, race, and sentiment, which ho said would v hold just as they had for many years past "in spite of their being no tie such as was in the minds of many people to-day." It is perfectly true that there is no immediate danger of any of the Dominions attempting to separate from the Empire. That must be plain to everyone. The war has.bound-tho Empire together moro firmly than ever, but it has also directed attention to the weak points in the existing Imperial system, and has widened and strengthened the demand for reform. There are many strong reasons why tho political reorganisation of tho Empire cannot be undertaken until tho war has been won, but there is no reason why the necessary preliminaries should not now be arranged, and it is most desirable that the public should have time to think tho matter over in the light of public discussion. Tlio time is undoubtedly opportune for a campaign of enlightenment, such as that which has been inaugurated by those responsible for tho formation of the "Round Table Groups." Mr. Lionel Curtis, who is at present in New Zealand, has taken a prominent part in this valuable movement, and his views are worthy of very caroful consideration. There is sure to bo muoh difference' of opinion as to fcjie merits of his proposed solution of tho Empire problem; but it will provoko thought and criticism, and help tho general public to form an adequate conception of tho naturo and magnitude of the issues inMost people will agreo with i Mr. Masbey when ho points out that

tho work of constructing a new constitution for the Empire could not well be undertaken by an Imperial Conference held during the war. As a matter of fact, the Imperial Conference is not tho body that should be called upon to perform this task either during the war or after it is over. The work should bo entrusted to a special convention. Mil. Curtis's views on this point carry conviction. It is tho business, ho contends, of tho confercnce to declare that the work is to bo done, to decide upon the constitution of the convention, and to make the preliminary arrangements. Tho actual scheme to bo submitted to the people of tho various States for their approval would be drawn up by the convention. In the meantime it may be hoped that our public men will approach the subject with open minds, and that it will reccivo tho fullest possible publicity iu tho Press and on the public platform.