IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Grey River Argus, 21 April 1911, Page 6

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

BRITAIN'S FOREIGN POLICY

(By Etectiic Telegraph — Copyrigm.) (Red 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, April 20. Mr Guinness' motion in favour of adding the discussion of the international situation to the Imperial Conference agenda, was withdrawn, after Mr Harcourt promised . not to withhold any information that Prime Ministers desired to have.

Mr 'Guinness welcomed New Zealand's Advisory Council as a real step in the direction of federation, but doubted if the High Commissioners were sufficiently closely in touch with colonial opinion.

Mr Ornsbygove in seconding, said that before Australia's resolution, regarding naval co-operation, and the status of dominion navies, was discussed, Sir Edward Grey should instruct Premiers of the relation between Britain's naval policy and its foreign policy.

Mr Orawshay Williams uri^ed that the existing secretariat should fee developed into a permanent iopresentative advisory council.

Hbn .Mr Lyttelton declared that almost the whole strength cf vhe navy was concentrated at Home, br-t contingencies in trie Far East .iii^ht unke it necessary to add a great many 'battle ships in order to protect the Pacific. It was noteworthy, that neither Canada, Australia, or New Zealand had undertaken to join in all British wars.

Mr Harcourt said that :t was :ilways the Government's intention to take Prime Ministers into consultation on matters of great Imperial concern. The Government would proffer information, on condition of the absolute secrecy of the Premiers, who would also be asked to attend the Imperial Defence (Committee.