THE “SILENT CONFERENCE”

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 51, 24 November 1926, Page 11

THE “SILENT CONFERENCE”

HAPPY RESULT OF THE GATHERING

CREDIT GIVEN TO MR. BRUCE AND MR. COATES FIRST SYMBOL OF NEW IMPERIAL RELATIONSHIP The Prime Minister of Australia is given a large share of credit for the happy result of the Imperial Conference, and New Zealand’s Prime Minister is described as a quiet, persistent helper in achieving better defined unity. The first symbol of the new relationship is contained in the air communications report in the phrase “His Majesty’s Government in Australia.” As it is the first State document containing the new formula the report will be of historical value;

(Rec. November 23, 5.5 p.m.)

London, November 22,

With the sitting at 3 o’clock to-mor-tow what will become known as “The Silent Conference” will end. The Dominions Office hopes the same evening to issue a comprehensive official report on the whole proceedings. There will also be an outstanding report on Imperial Defence, and another dealing with speedier sea transit and mails, but the latter is likely - to be inconclusive, merely stating the necessity for watching developments in the methods of propulsion.

POLICY OUTLINED BY MR. BRUCE

Meanwhile tire report of the InVrImperial Relations Committee continues to be widely discussed. There is comment in Australian circles on how closely it fits the policy outlined by Mr, Bruce at a private welcoming lunch at Australia House immediately after his arrival.

Those intimately in touch with the Conference . give Mr. Bruce a large share of credit for the happy result of the Conference, • and describe Mr. Coates also as a quiet, persistent, helper in achieving a better defined unity. It is. remarked that both Australia and New Zealand were in the happy position of knowing that nothing conceded to others in any way affected their conception of the Imperial relationship. Mr. Bruce said to-night: “It is a very great report, and will unquestionably do much to remove from the arena of active political discussion questions which previously caused much anxiety.” FIRST USE OF NEW FORMULA. The first symbol of the new Imperial relationship is contained in to-night’s air communications report in the phrase “His Majesty’s Government in Australia,” and the satne phraseology is used regarding South Africa. This report will be of historic value as the first State document containing the new formula. - The non-committal allusion to Locarno in the report was what was most expected. Mr. Bruce thinks resort to a contracting out clause will not be (necessary under the new definition* on foreign relations. Another authority describes it as a case now of “all in or nothing.” The Australian Press * Association gathers that the consensus of opinion was that it was inadvisable to deny Britain the right of extending hospitality during the conferences, unJess public opinion was shown to be hostile to that course. It is pointed out that all the Dominions are jealous of their right to entertain visiting British delegations. MIGRATION DIFFICULTIES. Mr. Bruce envisages the possibility of an inter-State Conference in the near future to discuss methods of solving migration difficulties, but lie would prefer to see them first thrashed out with the Migration Development Committee. In the meantime Mr. Gepp, at Mr. Bruce's request, is investigating the possibility of using caterpillar tractors such as seen at Camberlcy on November 13 for the conveyance of materials for developmental work in roadless areas or carting water in time of drought.

SPECIAL OFFICIALS FOR CONSULTATION POSSIBILITY DISCUSSED (Rec. November 23, 8.40 p.m.) London, November 23. Highly placed personages are discussing the possibility of the Dominions in the future having special officials in London for purposes of consultation on foreign affairs, likewise Britain having commissioners in the Dominions for the same purpose. A new departure, however, is not contemplated immediately.

MR. COATES INTERVIEWED

NATURAL DEVELOPMENT

FAVOURED

BUT PLEASED TO CONCUR WITH REPORT

London, November 22.

“My attitude has been that the less placed on paper about the Empire Constitution the better,” declared Mr. Coates during an interview with an “Evening News” representative. “New Zealand has been satisfied to let matters develop naturally between herself and. Britain. We have feared that natural development might have been hindered rather than helped by a written Constitution. We have realised, however, that what is sufficient for New Zealand might not satisfy others, and, accordingly, we are pleased to concur with the inter-imperial Report.”—Sydney “Sun” Cable. SOUTH AFRICANS SATISFIED GENERAL HERTZOG INTERVIEWED OBJECTIVE ATTAINED London, November 2’2. General Hertzog, Prime Minister of South Africa, interviewed, said: “I feel that I have every right to say. that the Conference achievements satisfy Dutch and English-speaking South Africans. Personally I feel that I have attained tny objective in such a manner as removes all doubts and suspicions concerning our national sta,?ns I further feel that nothing was

By Telegraph.—Press Association. —Copyright.

ever accomplished so calculated to lay, deep and enduring foundations of international co-operation and genuine good-feeling between the members of the British Commonwealth. I have the highest appreciation of the cordial and sympathetic manner in which British statesmen, not only realised the importance of the issues, but also the way in which they have co-operat-ed with the Dominions in the clarification of the position and the removal of difficulties. What, perhaps, is most remarkable is the unanimity of all the Dominions and Great Britain wherewith a difficult and arduous task is accomplished.”

REPORT WELCOMED BY GENERAL SMUTS

Cape Town, November 22. Interviewed by the "Cape Times," General Smuts said that be cordially welcomed the Imperial Conference report on Dominion status, which leaves the position substantially as it was generally understood since the Peace Conference, and as repeatedly stated by spokesmen of the Imperial Government, and by himself and other Dominion representatives. A number of small adjustments were proposed, which clear up minor points, but these do not touch the great principles. These refer to the King’s title, the position of Governors-General, and their recognition as Consuls, the exercise of the King’s veto, the operation of Dominion laws outside their own territories, and appeals to the Privy Council. The equality of the Dominions is affirmed in broad terms, but the diplomatic unity of the Empire is not affected, and the lead ,in foreign affairs continues to be taken bv the British Government. The principle of consultation where other parts of the Empire are affected is fully maintained, treaty-making power being left practically as it was settled at die 1923 Conference. General Smuts added that he Xvas pleased \vith what had been done, as well as pleased with what had been wisely let alone. He was still more pleased that General Hertzog was at last satisfied, and that he thinks the whole of the. people of South Africa will be satisfied.

GRATIFYING TO IRISH SENTIMENT

TIES OF BLOOD THE REAL BOND LOYALTY NO LONGER A PARTY QUESTION London, November 22. The Dublin correspondent of “The Times” savs that there is every likelihood that the Irish people will be satisfied that the work of the Conference will strengthen the position of the Government of the Free State, to which the Conference conceded changes effecting a welcome improvement in the relations between London and Dublin. The establishment of Dominion autonomy will gratify popular sentiment. While allegiance is established to a common King, the ties of blood are the real Lord of the Empire. The Free State delegates accepted the obligation, not merely in letter, but in spirit. Henceforward, lovaltv to the Crown will cease to be a ’partv political question. The old Unionist classes should be fully reconciled to the new regime. The change in the King’s title gives special pleasure, since it translates the old ideal of a Kingdom of Ireland into practice. The changed status of the GovernorGeneral to the King’s direct representative is also welcome. A probable result will be the appointment of a British High Commissioner in Dublin, followed by a northern Irish representative at Dublin, and a Free State High Commissioner at Belfast.

COMMENTS OF ENGLISH PRESS

SECRECY OF DISCUSSIONS BRITAIN’S REPRESENTATION IN DOMINIONS London, November 22. The newspapers confine their leaders and criticisms to the barest generalities. England, has until now remained practically in the dark concerning the entire problem. It can be said without exaggeration that not a single paragraph appeared in the British Press in any wav suggesting the report’s extraordinary significance. Only on Friday were the Press informed that they could expect a document of most farreaching importance next day. This was the first semi-official reference to the inter-imperial relations . discussions, which were conducted in absolute secrecy. The Dominions Press alone were able to give a forecast of what was being evolved behind* closed doors. The question arises: What will the Dominions decide about Britain’s representation in the Dominions now that the Governor-General no longer represents the Government? It is understood that the matter of allotting direct representatives of Britain in the Dominions will shortly be discussed. REAL PURPORT OF REPORT NOT GRASPED. The Svduey "Sun’s” London political correspondent, commenting on the Imperial Conference Inter-Imperial Relations Report, says that it is one of

the most historic documents ever evolved bv the makers of the Empire’s history. The people as yet are unable to grasp the real purport of the report. One fact emerging is that the King is now the sole " physical bond between Britain and the Dominions.

FOREIGN POLICY GUIDED BY EMPIRE’S FEELING.

The “Standard” says: “That the Dominions are autonomous communities has long been recognised in principle, but the real difficulty lies in its practical application, especially in regard to foreign relations, in regard to which the Inter-Imperial Report states the problem rather than provides a solution. Britain’s foreign policy must be cuided bv the Empire’s feeling, placing the 'least possible strain on the fabric cemented by sentiment, rather than carpentered t>y formulas.”—Sydney “Sun” Cable. OPINIONS OF '‘THE TIMES.” “The Tinies,” in a leader, describes the inter-Imperial Relations Report as essentially a register of existing conditions, rather than a programme of the future. It is a courageous, ingenious, and comprehensive document,''probably unparalleled, but it is wrong to say that it is a new departure or a far-reaching Constitutional experiment. There is hardly a statement of definition not coinciding with familiar practice. The preamble, for instance, includes a description of the Empire in language only saved bv the italics from being incidental. It may have uses for quotation of suspicious Nationalists, but that is all. Then comes a trifling change in the Roval title, but the clause dealing with the position of Governors-General is more important, because it definitely raises an anomalous and dual system, whereby the Governor-General is both the King’s representative and the formal channel of communication with His Majesty s Ministers in London. What matters enonnouslv is the development of a system of personal contact between London and the Dominion capitals. That is a practical necessity, and it is brought into first prominence, It has always existed, and is being, met by various provisional expedients, Australia leading by the appointment of a personal representative of the Prime Minister. England and the other Dominions may adopt the Australian practice, or welcome in their own countries political representatives of the British Government. The report does not recommend uniformity, but emphasises a problem which clearthinking, practical experience alone can solve clearly. I here is no disposition to abandon the Judicial Committee as the final appeal in appropriate cases. The principle that it is each Dominion Government’s right to advise the Crown on all matters relating to its own affairs is the keynote of all the Conference’s recommendations, and, as far as Britain is concerned, there is neither doubt nor discord in regard to that matter. The real difficulty has always been to interpret it to the outside world. “Are we a single unit for purposes of diplomacy, or half a dozen units?” “The Tinies” asks. THE “DAILY MAIL.” The “Daily Mail,” in a leader, says: “The report clearly lays down complete equalitv of the Dominions with Britain, and should, therefore, satisfy all their aspirations.. It docs not 'alter essential conditions. For years the Dominions have,, in practice, been independent of Britain, and of equal status to her; The alteration in the King’s title changes .nothing of importance. The Empire is bound together, not by logic, force., or arbitrary cohipacts, but by allegiance to the Crown, bv common interest and common ties,'which freedom and the enjoyment of Constitutional Government impose. For a generation and more it lias been a commonplace that the union of the Empire is a personal one through the Sovereign, and it gives the Crown extraordinary importance and influence, which is bound to grow in years to come.” “DAILY NEWS.” The “Dailv News,” in a leader, declares: “This able and far-reaching reports is an adequate and significant expression of a progressive civilisation keenly alive to its duties and place in the international scheme of things, and thoroughly aware of its own destinv. The Dominions’ equal status is fixed bevond doubt in language apparently satisfying to General Hertzog’s mystical theories, and the national sensibilities of the New Ireland. Yet the general effect envisages a closed unity and greater inherent strength.” CANADIAN PRESS OPINIONS “MAGNA CARTA FOR DOMINIONS” Vancouver, November 22. The Canadian newspapers for the most part regard the result of the Imperial Conference as merely setting down definitely and conspicuously what has been a tacit understanding growing through the years between the Mother Country and the Dominions.

The “Montreal Star” refers to the. report as the “Magna Carta for the Dominions. It is very adroit comment and contains little that is important and new’, vet is so phrased that General Hertzog will be able to get up before bis Africanders on the veldt and usephrases which will seem to show that he successfully championed their most determined demands.” WRITTEN ALLIANCES BRITAIN'S AVERSION INCREASED Paris, November 22. Analysing the Imperial Conference report, “Pertinax” says that Britain will be more averse to written alliances, since in times of stress her attitude will be influenced bv the Dominions. "It is difficult to conduct foreign policy when Empire-wide approval is necessary,” he says, ‘and sooner or later some grave accident will explode the system. Let us hope we are not involved in that accident. AIR COMMUNICATIONS SUB-COMMITTEE’S REPORT SYSTEM OF EMPIRE ROUTES (Rec. November 23, 7.20 p.m.) Loudon. November 22. 'The Air Communications Sub-com-mittee of the Imperial Conference has reported that it is convinced that the development of Imperial air communications merits the early and continuous attention of all the Empire Governments. The committee adopted a resolution noting with satisfaction the prospective regular air service between Cairo and Karracln, the experimental service between Kbar-

toura and Kisuuiu, also the decision of the British and South African Governments to carry out experimental flights aiming at connecting, with the above service, and the decision of the Australian Government to arrange flights to Singapore to link up with the Royal Air Force flights from Singapore to Australia. The committee recommends the Government’s attention to the provision of aerodromes as far as local resources permit, with a view to the ultimate creation of a complete system of Empire air routes, also to consider the possibility of erecting airship mooringmast bases for demonstration flights in 1928-29 by airships now being built, and Britain to consider the erection of a second airship shed at Cardington. The committee approved the holding of an Imperial Air Conference in 1928 or 1929. It also approved the exchange of civil aeronautics information throughout the Empire, and, if possible, exchanges of personnel. The Imperial Conference adopted the report. RESEARCH SUB-COMMITTEE’S REPORT VALUE OF CONSULTATION AND CO-OPERATION PRESENT MACHINERY IMPERFECT (Rec. November 23, 8.10 p.m.) London, November 22. The report of the Research Subcommittee of the Imperial Conference emphasises the value of consultation and co-operation between the various portions of the Empire, and recommends, further, the establishment. of bureaux on the lines of the existing Bureaux of Entomology and Tropical Medicine. The need ' for the establishing of such would be best considered by the special Inter-Empire Conference, as already arranged for 1927, for the study of Imperial agricultural research. Similar bureaux might also be established on behalf of other practical arts, such as horticulture, mining, manufacturing, and industry. These would be strictly specialised bureaux, but it would also be necessary to have organisations which act as clearing houses for the dissemination of scientific and technical information, somewhat analogous to the present Imperial Institute. The experience of three British research departments, namely Agriculture, Medicine and Science, show the urgent need of direct communication between them and between corresponding organisations elsewhere in the Empire. There had been many instances proving that work done on parallel lines in different parts of the Empire, dealing with different local conditions, had led to important results. While it was true that much valuable information was thus interchanged, the present machinery was imperfect. Etery official representative of each organisation in one part of the Empire should have an opposite number in each of the other parts of the Empire for the direct exchange of information. The report draws attention to the serious shortage of suitable candidates for scientific services supported by the Governments. Scientific officers must be of the highest class and given the best training. Salaries and other inducements must be adequate to attract the best men. If it is urged that financial stringency renders such a policy unwise, the reports points out, the poorer anv country is the greater its need to develop its scientific resources. The British Empire’s enormous potential resources cannot be fully developed without the aid of science. Germany in the nineteenth century provided a classic instance of the way in which a comparatively poor country can by organised scientific research immensely increase its wealth and overhaul its neighbours possessing greater natural advantages. The committee states that the importance of having upon the staffs of research institutions men with experience in different parts of the Empire can hardly be exaggerated. It is of opinion that the Press could play a great part in bringing home to the public the importance of science to the Empire and the career it offers. Tlie report applauds the proposal to hold an agricultural research conference in London in 1927, and urges that the various Governments should give it the fullest possible support. . The report embodies a resolution noting with satisfaction the encouragement of scientific research into the problems of Empire agriculture, and particularly approves the board’s project of a chain of research stations in tropical and subtropical portions of the Empire. .It points out that the Empire Marketing Board had made considerable, grants for research work in connection with the problems of production and transport, and also extended assistance beyond foodstuffs. The board had made it clear that it conceives its task to be to bring scientific problems before, the appropriate authorities. The committee suggests that when the. board recommends a grant or the refusal of a grant it should attach fully qualified reports thereon.

The committee approves the steps taken to reorganise the Imperial Institute according to the recommendations of the Economic Conference of 1923. The Earl of Balfour contributes an introduction to the report, in which he trusts that the outcome of the Conference will be to encourage the Empire’s States to view sympathetically these suggestions.

NATIONALITY PROBLEMS

BRITISH WOMEN MARRIED TO ALIENS

REPORT OF COMMITTEE

(Rec. November 23, 8.10 p.m.) Loudon, November 22.

The Committee on Nationality, whose recommendations were adopted by the Conference, considered in all its bearings the question of the nationality of married women, to which women’s organisations throughout the Empire bad drawn attention. Despite the difficulties of dual nationalities arising tliereironi, some delegates favoured legal amendments giving British women an opportunity of retaining their nationality, no matter whom they married, but in view of the importance of uniformity throughout the Empire, the committee made no recommendation pending the possibility of an international agreement on the two questions of dual nationality and no nationality by the League of Nations’ expert committee on the codification of international law.

The committee recommended an amendment of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act of .1914 in order to facilitate the acquisition of British nationality by children of the third generation born abroad of British parents during the war, also extending the time for registration of Britishers children of the second generation born abroad. Further. it recommended amendments to provide that British subjects bv naturalisation shall »e obliged to register at the. British Consulate annually, while resident abroad,

also empowering the revocation of naturalisation certificates in cases—(l) of a widow of a British subject by naturalisation, (2) of a person who acquired British nationality through residence with parents in the United Kingdom, and (3) of a person who during two years had not complied with the obligation to register.

MORE HONOURS FOR DELEGATES (Rec. November 23, 7.20 p.m.) London, November 22 The University of Cambridge has conferred Doctorates ot Law upon tlx Maharajah of Burdwan, Mr. Mackenzie King, and Mr. Cosgrave.