IMPERIAL COMMITTEES

Hokitika Guardian, 16 December 1930, Page 2

IMPERIAL COMMITTEES

SIR HALFORD MACKINDERS SERVICES.

(Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, December 11

Sir Halford Mackinder, in a letter to the Prime Minister dated November 18, published to-night, recalls that on the eve of the Imperial Conference he placed himself at the disposal of the Conference respecting his chairmanship of the Imperial Economic Committee and the Imperial Shipping Committee, feeling that the Governments of the Empire might desire to remodel one or both, The report of the Graham Committee, endorsed by the Conference, seemed to imply that he should continue as chairman of the Shipping Committee, but that the chair of the Economic Committee should be occupied for one year by a representative of each Government in rotation, In tendering his resignation, he was proud of tlie fact that that body should not only receive a fresh lease of life, but also n, more truly Imperial constitution, wider reference and, if need be, ft reinforced secretariat.

The Prime Minister, in reply, recalled that the Conference bad passed resolutions bearing testimony to the value of Sir Halford Mackinder’s services on both committees. Experience in the working of the Imperial Economic. Committee had removed the apprehensions which attended its commencement. Its sphere of work and its influence bad steadily increased. The term of Sir Halford’s chairmanship had witnessed a most valuable advance in Imperial co-operation. The Prime Minister asked Sir Halford Mackinder to continue the chairmanship until the changes in the constitution are effected, and trusts that he will also be able to remain chairman of the Shipoing Committee. In a further letter, Sir Halford acceded to the request.