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Hokitika Guardian, 16 December 1924, Page 2

Tint necessity for the Dominions having a better share in the direction of foreign policy was indicated very clearly a few days ago by the Australian I’rime Minister, lie said:—“We arc inside the Empire and we must mnko up our minds whether wo want to stay there. If we do then wo 'must decide whether we want to he consulted on matters that arc of vital moment to the Empire. There are people in Australia to-day,, who, even if they admit a desire to remain in the Empire, declare that they wish to have nothing to do with foreign policy. They forgot that a guarantee of the integrity of Belgium led to tin* Great War. so far iis Australia was cnneerned, and that a distance of twelve thousand miles from Great Britain will not prevent us from being drawn into another war. These people are saying that Australia ought to he left to the tender mercies of the British Government of the day, and that into its hands should he placed unreservedly matters of the greatest moment. I have met all the English statesmen, and for them 1 have the greatest respect, hut in no circumstances would 1 agree to place Atistralia hour.d hand and foot in their hands, or in any other hands.” No doubt this is true, hut the first thing to remember is that if they are lo have a part in calling the tune there they must do a little more towards paying the piper. Sir dames Allen is reported to have said that the Ministry’s consultations with the High Commissioners is necessary to /ill the gaps between the Imperial Conferences, and that the High Commissioners are in the host position to attend those gatherings, at which eighty per cent of the subject dealt with concern trade This may he true, hut the important part of the matters discussed are precisely tlie twenty per cent of the c|iiestions,. are those which do not deal with trade. The High Commissioner is. we understand, a non-political official who holds lii.s position according to his Commission whatever party may lie in power, and who on political matters might well, owing to long residence in l.omlon. he out of (ouch with Dominion opinion. Under the circumstances the only persons really (|Ualiiicd to represent the Dominions are responsible ministers, who represent and are actually part of the l Cabinet of the separate Dominions. '■