IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 364, 27 May 1911, Page 5

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

SIR JOSEPH WARD'S SCHEME

- A PARLIAMENT OF DEFENCE. By To;g;;vl-iiJi.—Tres* Association.—-Copyriglit Received May 20', 10.5. p.m. London, Yesterday. Speaking at the Imperial Conference, Sir Joseph Ward stated that the fact that two of the greatest Dominions had already embarked on naval policies emphasised the need for an Imperial Council to co ordinate and harmonise naval defence. Independent policies did not make for the strongest position in maintaining Imperial ties, and he preferred to call the suggested body an Imperial Parliament of Defence, as defence was a vitally paramount question, even more important to Britain than the overseas dominions, and considering her naval burden, the day for a partnership had arris-ed. The question was, on what basis a partnership could rest or could not rest. The present relationship was not giving the partners a voice in the management for the protection of British ships, goods and people on the seas. Canada's and Australia's local provisions, however good, were inadequate, and an Imperial organisation was necessary, as at present the lines of national divergence in regard to naval defence would increase as the Dominions grew to full stature, unless British statesmen promoted a partership, with representation. The Council would only deal with Imperial essentials. The framework should be as elastic as efficiency and durability demanded. There should be no interference by one portion of the Empire with another, in regard to local land forces. A proper naval unity would secure the peace of the world for generations. Mr A. Fisher asked whether the Council would have power of coercion by a legislative Act. Sir Wilfrid Laurier said he understood the Council had power to vote contributions, which would have to be fixed for the different Dominions. He seriously objected to that. Sir Joseph Ward replied that he wanted uniformity preserved as a whole over the sea interests.

Mr K. 11. Asquith said apparently the Council would have power to impose contributions, and a policy upon disentient communities. Sir Joseph Ward, continuing, said under his scheme Britain would have 220 members of the House of Representatives, Canada 37, Australia 25. New Zealand 6, and Newfoundland 2, while the Imperial Council would consist of two .members each.

Mr Asquith asked whether in a Council of twelve, Britain would have two representatives and the Dominions

Sir Joseph Ward said the Council would be mainly consultive and advisory. The executive would consist of not more than fifteen, of whom not more than four would form a Senate. The Defence Parliament woud deal exclusively with matters common to the Empire, including peace or war, treaties, and foreign relations generally, and Imperial defence and the provision of revenue for these purposes for the first ten years. The Parliament would have no power of taxation, but the amount payable by the Dominions would be taken as a debt by them, and afterwards such an amount provided as the Dominions agree upon.

PROPOSALS WITHDRAWN.

Received May 26, 11.25 p.m. London, Yesterday

Mr H. IT. Asquith communicated the House of Commons' memorial cabled on February 23rd, and said Sir Joseph Ward had brought a concrete proposal before them, but no other representative had been able to accept his scheme. It would impair, if not altogether destroy, the authority of the Imperial Government in the conduct of its foreign policy and the conclusion of treaties for the maintenance of peace or the declaration of war. The responsibiity of the Government and Parliament in these matters could not be shared. The proposal to impose a Dominions policy from which one or more might dissent involved an expenditure of taxation which the people of the Dominions might not approve. Speaking for the British Government, he could not assent to a proposal so opposed to the fundamental principles on which the Empire was built and carried on. Sir Joseph Ward, in the face of unanimous opposition, accepted the position with equanimity, and withdrew his proposals.

Received May 27, 8.5 a.m

London, Last Night,

The official report of the afternoon sitting of the Imperial Conference will be published to-morrow. It is understood Sir Joseph Ward's resolution for the re-construction of the Colonial Office was discussed. Mr Harcourt outlined certain changes which will be embodied in a memo-

randum for future consideration, and

pointed out that the creation of a separate Under-secretaryship for the Dominions was attended with difficulties. If the change was really demanded, the Government might meet their views. Mr Harcourt also suggested the appointment of an avisory Council cf High Commissioners or other Dominion nominees to consult between the conferences. The Prime Minister agreed that the Secretariat organised in 1907 was satisfactory.