AN ADDRESS OF THANKS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2849, 14 August 1916, Page 6

AN ADDRESS OF THANKS

Australian-Now Zealand Cable Association.

(Bee. August 12, 7.35 p.m.)

London, August 11. The Overseas Parliamentarians, at the conclusion of their visit, presented Mr. A. J. Balfour, First Lord of tho Admiralty, with an address of tbanks for their magnificent welcome. "The unique opportunities afforded us to investigate war works halve reinspircd us with Britain's resolute determination to pursue the war to a conclusive victory."

Sir George Foster said tho visitors recognised the Government' oxtreme difficulties of administration under the war burdens, and that. therefore it should not be criticised, but heartily sympathised with.

Mr. Balfour, replying, said the visit was of momentous - importance in the history of inter-relation of the different parts of the Empire. Nothing was more difficult than to make the peoples mutually understand one another who only read about cach other. _Ho appreciated tho absence of criticisms. Undoubtedly, tho Government and its predecessors made mistakes of omission and commission, but if a history is ever fairly written, fully appreciating the magnitude and novelty of the problems, it will take a charitable view of Britain's efforts. Largely through the Dominions' assistance we possess a. great army. The financial problem? still arising are such as our forefathers never dreamt of. Tho Navy was our most satisfactory preparation, but was inadequate in lighter craft, whose necessity had been increasingly manifest sinco tho outbreak of tbe war. Wo believe you love the Motherland more and understand it better having seen it in the stress and crisis of a great conflict. You have found the heart of the Empire beating in unison with the Dominions."

Tlie Parliamentarians dispatched a message to M. Briand, French Premier, expressing appreciation of their enthusiastic welcome, and for the privilege of seeing the gallant French armies. The'marvellous exploits of the airmen was proving our great Ally's wonderful power of organisation and unalterable determination to use all hor splendid energies and resources to speedily achieve the inevitable result of complete victory. SECRETARY FOR THE COLONIES. TITLE NOT TO BE ALTERED. (Rec. August 12, 8.10 p.m. London, August 11. In the House of'(Commons Mr. Asquith, replying to : Bollairs said he did not sco any reason to alter tho title of Secretary of State .for the ; Colonies to Secretary of State for tlTo 'Dominions.