BRITAIN AND UNITED STATES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2163, 11 April 1908, Page 3

BRITAIN AND UNITED STATES.

ARBITRATION TREATY,,

RECOGNITION OF SELF GOVERNING DOMINIONS.

United Press Association —Copyright LONDON, April 9. Tho Foreign Relations Committee of the United States Senate lias reported favourably on the arbitration treaty between Britain and the United States. This ensures ratification. The “Morning Post” says that Washington sends the text of the treaty, which has-a currency of five years, and provides for a. like treaty between United States, and France. Before any question is submitted to the Hague Convention a special agree, ment must be concluded, defining tlie matter in dispute. There are other formalities, but it embodies two important additions. .The first is that no such preliminary agreement to be binding on Britain until the terms are approved of by tlie Senate and accepted by Britain through exchange notes. The second is still more important, namely, that Britain reserves the right, before concluding a special agreement in any matter affecting the interests of a self-governing Dominion ,If.> obtain the concurrence therein of the Government of that Dominion. , Tlio “Morning Post” says that this clause constitutes a welcome recognition of the position of tlie autonomous members of the Empire, but emphasises tlio need of some organisation within the Empire representing unity of aim in the policy between Bntajn and other nations and states.