UNITS OF THE EMPIRE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 196, 14 May 1920, Page 7

UNITS OF THE EMPIRE

SECURING INTERCHANGE OF VIEWS REPRESENTATION OF DOMINIONS .IN-LONDON PROBLEMS CALLING FOR EARNEST THOUGHT By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright • (Rec. May 13, 8.5 p.m.) London, May 12. There was a large attendance of members of Parliament at a luncheon given by the Empire Parliamentary Association' in honour of" Mr. W. A. Watt (Federal Treasurer). The Government was represented by Viscount Milner, Mr. Walter W, Mr. Edward Shbrtt, • Viscount Peel, Colonel Amery, Mr. H. Pike Pease, , and Sir Worthington Evans. Viscount Milner, who presided, in proposing the health of the guest, said that momentous events had happened since v -SH 1 last vlsifcd England. When Mr. Hughes was giving this country his invaluable help, Mr. Watt directed the Australian effort from the other end. JlOff splendid that effort was and how muoh Mr. Watt's tenacious energy contributed to its success was a matter of lustory. fhero wore many reasons why Air. Watt s presence here now was opportune. The close of the war and tho twe Conference saw the British Em-' piro delegation dispersed. It might be possible at an earlv date to have that p<xly reassemble, but reassemble it must in order to maintain co-operation, which was even more necessary in peace if the impire was to maintain its plnce in the world. Meanwhile ws must do our.best to keep the various units in touch. More could be achieved in a few hours round the table than in weeks by correspondence at long range. Thus it was with tho liveliest satisfaction that he welcomed Mr. Watt's arrival. He was sure Mr. Watt's presence- would lead to a settlement of many questions affecting Britain and Australia, which would bo more difficult to settle, if they were nblo to settle them at all, without his presence. He cordially agreed with Mr. Watt's simile, "John Bull and Company," but we must fit our arrangements to the peculiar constitution of the firm. It consisted of a number of branches, the Wards of which were practically in debit. In dealing with matters of their own interest, freedom was the greatest essential. On the other hand, in dealing with common interests there was a danger of muddle unless these Iboards could be kept in touch and a, completo interchange of views was secured before final action was taken. Viscount Milner said he was confident that with all the cards on the table they would never take conflicting 'action. The supremo importance of keeping ,tho-business together would' always prevent that. Since the world,was continually moving, things could.not wait until John Bull and Company could meet and talk things over. There should be established some sort of clearing-house for the exchange of views. Would it not be of the highest utility that such a clearing-house should be in this country, where tho board of the oldest branch was situated? There should be a standing committee, on which every branch should be represented. Would it not be possible to have a Minister always hero —not always the samo man, for frequent changes would bring, the latest ideas from tho respectivo units? Mr. Watt, replying, said the Empire to-day presented problems calling for earnest thought. The Dominions in the war and at the Peace Conference and in tho League of Nations had acquired a new status. "We are jealous of our local autonomy, and we think there is no necessity for any infraction or limitation of our autonomy." He agreed with, the idea of closer communion by hnving Ministers in London, with a chnuging personnel, in. constant touch .with the Homo Government. Dealing with the Peace Treaty, ho 6aid that care must (be taken to see that the Empire's voice on international affairs came through one pair of lips. This would not mean that overseas opinion would not be articulate on such matters. Mr. Watt defended the "White Australia" policy. "This doctrine means," he said, "that if- thero are to bo negotiations between Britain and the Mikado, Australia wants her views consulted and registered. Wo mu6t at all hazards, preserve tho spirit of the Empire, League of Nations or no Loaguo of Nations. Australia believes that tho . Empiro is essential to her existence. Australia has many problems for solution, in which family consultation is necessary, but we muddle our way or work our way through them all." Ho believed there would shortly ho a .vast stride in Federalism, and that a statutory convention would confer wider powers on the Federation. He invited the Parliamentary Association if possible to send n delegation to observe vhe proceedings of the convention when it assembled. He concluded by declaring that tho cement that binds the Empire now and will bind it in the \fuilure was pride of race rather than any organic measure—Aus.N.Z. Cable' Assn. I - RESTITUTION OF MAIL SERVICES AGENTS-GENERAL TO.CONFER WITH MR. WATT.. (Beo. May 13, 11.30. p.m.) London, May 12. The Agents-General arc arranging to confer with Mr. Watt to >ke steps_'to iiTge the restitution of the Australian mail services—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.