The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, NOV. 5, 1206.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1923, 5 November 1906, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, NOV. 5, 1206.

The lifting of the veil by tbs Federal Premier should cause consternation in tbo ranks of tbo Bauuerman Government unless tbo Minister chiefly concerned is so enamoured of the arts of diplomacy as to bo unable to understand the difference between frankness and duplicity. Tbo statement that the Australian, and Now Zealand Governments had been cognisant all. the time of the New Hebrides convention, and had acquiesced in tbo concession to France .at tbo expense of tbo colonies, now turns out to be a flagrant distort tion of the fact 3. A few months ago the late Mr Seddon bitterly complained at the Imperial Government insisting on treating as confidential despatches in regard to which tbo people should have at once been informed. In face of the facts now disclosed by Mr

Donkin ns to tlio condition loading- up to tho Now Hebrides Oonvontion, Mr Churchill must bo uttorly discredited 1 iinloHH ho can show that ho lias boon misunderstood. Tho “ constant and detailed communicationa with tho colonial Governments” wore only a myth, Homo pooplo might Bay fabrication. In viow of tho fooling- aroused in tho uiattor Mr Doakin him found it necessary to make a statement (received by cable) disclosing tho position. “In Novomber, 1905," lie states, “ wo woro informed for tho first

time that a French ollicial was visiting England to discuss questions regard* iug tho pov.-ors of tho tribunal for the sottlomont of tho Now Hebrides laud claims. In March, 1900, tho Imperial authorities posted a despatch covering a copy of tho draft oonvontion. Wo woro then informed for tho first tirno

that tho Govornmont had enlarged tho icopo of tho discussion mentioned in tho first communication. Wo wore informed that the draft convention must bo confirinod or rejected practically as it stood. Tho conference which framed it had met in London about March. Tho Federal Government had not boon oihoially informed of its existence, and knew nothing of tho lines upon which it was proceeding Soon aftor the arrival of tho despatch Mr oamo to Australia, and wo closely oxaminod tho draft to* got her, and forward od to tho Colonial > dlico two memoranda practically in identical terms, pointing out numerous matters iu which tiro convention was

unacceptable, und making suggestions ■ and amendments.” To this, appa- i rontly, it was not even thought worth while to send a reply, and none was received until a reminder had been sent. “On August 22nd last,” continues Mr Doakin, “ we sent a cable asking when a reply might be expected. To that despatch on the same dato the Secretary of State for the Colonies cabled : ‘Afraid could cay only that reply bo 3ent earliest possible date.’ On Oetobor 13th, after consaltation with tho Government of Now Zealand, we tent a cable informing tho Imperial Government that not haying been consulted during negotiations, and our suggested amendments, except perhaps a few minor proposals, not having been accepted, and being un* able at the distance to judge the possibility of obtaining amendments, we had no option but to leave the whole responsibility with His Majesty’s Government. On October 19th we received tho information that the draft had been signed.” It is easy enough to be wise after the event, but when such a reply is twisted into acquiescence, it is clear that the wiser course for the Governments would have been to have sent a joint protest against anything decisive being done until they bad been ccnmlted. A few weeks ago Mr Churchill and his friends were proclaiming their unbounded love for the colonies, and seeking t-o prove that they and not the Conservatives, had. a monopoly of such affection. The disclosure now made will do much to discredit such professions.