EQUALITY IN STATUS

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12611, 23 November 1926, Page 6

EQUALITY IN STATUS

"ROOT PRINCIPLE OF IMPERIAL RELATIONS” HISTORIC DECLARATION FOREIGN OBSERVERS IMPRESSED BY EVIDENCE OF UNITY “Equality in status as far as Britain and the Dominions concerned is the root principle go verning our Imperial relations,” declares the Imperial Conference in a report which is almost universally approved.

LONDON, November 21. “Every Dominion is now a selfgoverning member of the Empire and master of its destiny.” This sentence from the report of the Inter-Imperial Relations Committee yesterday sets an eloquent seal on the Imperial Conference of 1026. Not that it proclaims a new doctrine. Its significance lies in a simple statement of fact, and there is the further fact that the doctrine enunciated permeates the whole report. “Every Dominion is* now master of its destiny.” How much this is so will be realised upon a close study of tho report, which acknowledges that tho Empire ‘defies classification, and does not bear resemblance to any other political organisation which now exists, or has ever been tried.’ Moreover, it affirms that the Dominions ‘are autonomous communities within the British Empire, equal in stature, and in no way subordinate one to another in any aspect of their domestic or external affairs, though united by common allegiance to the Crown, and freely associated as members of the British Commonwealth of Nations. DRAFTED BY BALFOUR “Free institutions are the Empire’s lifeblood, co-operation is its instrument, and peace, security, and progress aro among its objects!” says the report. “Aspects of all these great themes have been discussed at the present conference, and excellent results thereby attained. Though every Dominion is now and must always remain the sole judge of the nature and extent of its 00-operation, no common cause will, in our opinion, be imperilled. Equality in status as far os Britain and the Dominions are concerned is thus the root principle governing our Imperial relations.” It will be gathered that a master hand was emnloyed in drafting, the report, a hand and brain used rarely, but alwavs effectively, namely, that of Earl Balfour; but equally it should he understood that the report was subjected to revision, and finally endorsed ■unanimously by all the Prime Ministers before it was presented to the world, which already, as far as the Press reflects opinion, haa recognised it as an historic document. CHANGE IN KING’S TITLE Naturally attention her© was attracted to the rhange in the King’s title, which recalls Disraeli’rf act in proferring the title “Empress of India” to Queen Victoria. Bo deeply are Boyaltv and its titles interwoven in English life, that the mere suggestion of a change in title stirs the imagination. Nevertheless the new emphasis in Empire unity cH’6rtope all other asnects of the renort.

" It is safe to forecast that Englishmen will wake up to-morrow with a new consciousness of a glorious in-

heritance, shared by far distant lands, for let there be no doubt the report creates a new orientation, and the Empire realises to-day its power and potentialities no less than Rome in the davs of Augustus Caesar. "With this report, restrained yet eloquent, the Empire awakens into a new consciousness of its dignity and strength. This is reflected not only in the document itself but in its treatment by the Press. Spontaneously and without exception the delicate manner in which constitutional difficulties are handled is realised everywhere. The distinction in the relationship of the King to Governors-General, and the Home to Dominion Governments, is recognised as wisely drawn and certain to facilitate inter-imperial relations. The Governors-General will henceforth represent the King as Sovereign, but not the British Government or any British department of State. SIGNING OF TREATIES Similarly, the position is cleared up regarding treaties. In future, if any treaty is made in the name of the King, British units on behalf of which the treaty is signed will be grouped in the following order:— Great Britain and Northern Ireland and all parts of the Empire which are not separate members of of Nations. Canada. Australia. New Zealand. South Africa, The Irish Free State. India. The “Observer” sums tip opinion b* saying that the report makes this year’s meeting historic. Mr Bruce, interviewed by the “Sunday Express,” said:—“The report is a joint production, but it expresses my view in the ‘Sunday Timee’ that the old conception of Britain as a parent nation or globe round which satellite Dominions revolved is finally swept away.” LOCARNO PACT APPROVED Though no resolution was submitted to the conference regarding compulsory arbitration in international disputes, it was agreed that no Government represented « at the conference would accept compulsory jurisdiction of the Permanent Court of International Justice without further discussion. The results of the Locarno Treaty were explained and discussed, the conference completely approving th* conduct to a successful conclusion of negotiations. It was resolved accordingly, and the conference congratulated the British Government on its share in this successful contribution to the promotion of the peace of the world. A delegation from the Empire Press Union waited upon the Imperial Communications Committee on the subject of wireless and cable rates.