THE EMPIRE CABINET

Hokitika Guardian, 12 March 1921, Page 4

THE EMPIRE CABINET

PROBLEMS FOR DISCUSSION. Tim Empire Cabinet- to which the Dominions’ I’iiine Ministers ha i* been invited by Mr Lloyd George, will taki place during tlq* latter had of Juiu (says the “British Australasian'' ol January 13). The invitation w-s sent out for this year by the British Pr im* Minister in response lo the urgent requests of Mr Hughes and General Smuts, but Mr Lloyd George made it; quite plain that he coincided with the view that there were several questions of foreign relations calling for immediate settlement, and that it would be unfair both to the Dominions and the English Governments if these matters wet- cleft to the latter to set'll* .singlehanded. Tli,. agenda for the Cabinet. whi'li. of r oiirsi>, is not the Constitutional Uouter e no i> between the different nations of tlu* Empire, but is of a move general character, is at present uemg foi Ululated by Mr Lloyd George and liis Ministers and it will be sent out at the end of this month to the Dom'.notis for examination and the addition of further questions should they think it desiiable. The principal items for discussion, sot down in tlq. probable order of their importance are: Defence, including the big mnies question. Preparation for tho Constitutional Conference, to fix the future relationships of the different nat ons of the Empire. Direct foreign relations, of Doni’iiions, such as Canada’s representation at AVashington. Emigration within the Empire. I liter-Empire communications. Although the invitation is sent out by the British Prime Minister to his fellow-Prime Ministers of the Dominions, it may lie taken for granted, that most of them will he accompanied to London by on,, or more of heir subor- j dinate Ministers. It is taken for ’'ranted that from most Dominions the Defence Ministers will come vith their chiefs, in view of the great and iiume-

diate importance of settling the line l of Empire defence. Probably H <-onfer“nc*e of military and naval experts will be held concurrently with the Cabinet. !