EMPIRE AFFAIRS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 198, 19 May 1944, Page 5

EMPIRE AFFAIRS

Proposed Machinery Of Co-operation THE CURTIN PLAN

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.)

LONDON. May 17.

Mr. Curtin’s proposals for improving the British Commonwealth’s consultative machinery which the Prime Ministers’ conference has referred for review to the respective Governments, involve monthly meetings between the British Prime Minister and the Dominions’ representatives, and also regular daily meetings between the Secretary for the Dominions and the High Commission-

In addition, there would be ordinary day-to-day machinery for dealing with foreign affairs, defence, financial and economic and social questions. The Associated Press says the High Commissioners’ offices are already in close contact with the Foreign Office, and therefore each Dominion could create such machinery and employ such methods as are held to be desirable. Though all the Dominions maintain service representatives iu London, Mr. Curtin admitted that a uniform system of consultation on defence cannot be applied, but emphasized that it is essential to establish co-operation, not only between Britain and the Dominions, but also between the individual Dominions. Economic Questions.

He urged the desirability of a great expansion of co-operation in financial, economic and social matters, which, he maintained, would occur provided all the Governments accepted the principle and instructed their officials accordingly. Mr. Curtin’s viewpoint is believed to be that so much individual co-operation has already been established that the time is opportune for bringing it under central direction. Therefore, he recommended the appointment of a small British and Dominions committee to examine the desirability of some centralization of effort. It is understood that Mr. Curtin maintained that machinery could be established which would be preferable to regular Prune Ministers’ conferences, which should- be possible in peacetime at fairly frequent intervals. • Opportunity should also fie taken to meet at places other than London, thereby emphasizing the reality of the inter-relation of British Governments and people. Meanwhile, it would be invaluable if Mr. Churchill personally gave a monthly review of the current situation and problems, which also would afford him the opportunity of regular personal contact with Dominion spokesmen and of hearing 1 at first hand of the Dominions’ problems. Future Defence Needs.

It is understood that the Australian ease before the conference also stressed the importance of post-war co-operation in Empire defence and the preservation of peace. Mr. Curtin pointed out that experience has shown that the growth of co-opera-tion has been slow. It remained to be seen how quickly a system of world security could be developed and maintained, but in the meantime security must be provided for the British people everywhere, which would, in itself, contribute to workl security. Australia submitted three safeguards for Empire security. First, national defence, which would be the responsibility of each Government, and the nature and extent of which wbuld be influenced by the degree of which could be placed on the second and third safeguards. Secondly. Empire co-operation, which would be a 'matter for bilatera\ or multilateral planning. Thirdly, collective security organized on a world and regional baßlS ‘ Need for Co-ordination.

The Associated Press learns that Mr, Curtin contended that Australia’s experience during the war fully demonstrated the need for co-ordination of defence policies, exchange of information and preparation of plans to ensure the effectiveness of national defence. Australia urged that the defence of the Southwest Pacific must be stronger than in the past. Mr. Fraser joined him in declaring that the fundamental concept of the defence of Australia and New Zealand must be a system based on. an island screen north of the two Dominions, It is believed that Mr. Curtin told the Prime Ministers that Australia was ready to play her part in a world organization but that current experience had proved that Australia’s war effort must be concentrated in the South Pacific. The Australian Government believed it was essential that plans should exist between the parts of the Empire concerned, and also between other nations concerned, for their co-operation for mutual defence in the strategical area. Mr. Curtin declared recently that they had faced the stark realism of a perilous situation and were determined that everything possible must be done to prevent a recurrence.

IMPERIAL ATTITUDE

Post-War Settlement

(Received May 18, ILSO r p ’ in ’? s > LONDON, May 18. It is learnt tl»at the declaration issued by the Prime Ministers after the Empire Conference was designed as a clear definition of the scope and aims of the consultations, but any indication of the Empire’s attitude toward post-war world settlement was deliberately avoided so as not to prejudice futufe meetings between the signatories of the Moscow agreem At’the same time,- it is Stated that the Empire declaration was not intended to cloak a secret Imperial understanding, nor must it be assumed that the Prime Ministers have not achieved important progress in examination of the future. The British Government now feels that it has gained a clearer impression of the trend of thought of the Dominions, and therefore Britain’s representatives at the forthcoming Anglo-Russian-Ameri-can talks will be enabled to gauge the probable degree of support that could oe exijected from the Doiniiiipns such proposals as may be issued by the Allies. However, it is emphasized that the Dominions have not given Britain a blank cheque and that the closest interImperial consultations will be maintained during the course of international negotiations.

MR. FRASER TO VISIT CANADA

LONDON. May 17. The Canadian Minister of Defence, Mr. Ralston, announced in the Ottawa House of Commons that Mr. Fraser and Mr. Curtin have accepted invitations to visit Canada on their way home from London. The King today received in audience Mr. Mackenzie King.