THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2100, 7 June 1907, Page 1

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

15Ml 10 BOOK DUULISHEP. , United Press Association—Copyright J LONDON, June 5. A Blue Book dealing with the Imperial Conference lias been issued. The cablegrams sent to Australia and New Zealand covered'’The'”'"ehifiT points disclosed. Lord Elgin, in including liis speech. claimed credit lor organising the Conference on the principle subsequently affirmed at the first sitting, namely, that these conferences were botwoen Governments and Governments, and he hoped that they might not hear anywhero a suggestion that because the Secretary ol State for the Colonies presided, he was dictatorial and usurping the functions of the Government. Mr. Deakin remarked: “I cannot imagine the severest critic proceeding from this Conference and levelling any charge of being dictatorial against you. 1 have no charge to make, except of your having placed yourself and the whole resources of your office absolutely at the disposal of the colonies in a most considerate manner.” The Blue Book consists of 600 pages, It gives the discussions verbatim, except in one or two instances, where private and unreported. The Blue Book shows that Mr. Deakin explained his cold-shoulder speech at the Victoria League, and had been misinterpreted. The remark did not apply to Conference matters. It applied to the attitude of Governments in general, not the present Government in particular. Unionist newspapers are complaining of the serious inadequacy of the , precis that were given out, as now ] shown by the Blue Boo'k. , The Daily Chronicle says owing to . divisions of opinion the secretariat , was left in a somewhat nebulous , state. Lord Elgin must give it s shape and substance. There is am- j pie scope for his powers as a con- j sti native Imperial statesman. f