EMPIRE PROBLEMS

Southland Times, Issue 18821, 14 May 1920, Page 5

EMPIRE PROBLEMS

TIGHTENING THE BONDS. SUGGESTIONS BY LORD MILNER. By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, May 12. (Received May 13, 8.5 p.m.) There was a large attendance of members of Parliament and the Empire Parliamentary Association at a luncheon in honour of Mr Watt. The Government were represented by Lord Milner, Mr W. H. Long, Mr E. Shortt, Lord Peel, Colonel L. S. Amery> Mr W. H. Pike Pease and Sir L. Worthington Evans. Lord Milner, who presided, in proposing the health of the guest, said that momentous events had happened.sir.ee Mr Watt last visited England. When Mr Hughes was giving this country his invaluable help, Mr Watt directed the Australian effort from the other end. How splendid that effort was, and how much Mr Watt’s tenacious energy contributed to its success, was a matter of history. There were many reasons why Mr Watt’s presence here now was opportune. The close of the war and the Peace Conference saw the British Empire delegation dispersed. It might be possible at an early date to have that body re-as-semble, but re-assemhle it must in order to maintain the co-operation which was more necessary even in peace if a power was to maintain its place in the world. Meanwhile they must do their best to keep the various units in touch. More could be achieved in a few hours round the table than in weeks by correspondence at long range. Thus it was with the liveliest satisfaction he welcomed Mr Watt's arrival. He was sure his presence would lead to the settlement of many questions affecting Britain and Australia which would be more difficult to settle, if they were able to settle them at all, without his presence. He cordially agreed with Mr Watt’s simile “John Bull and Company,” but we must fit our arrangements to the peculiar constitution of the firm. It consisted of a number of branches, the boards of which were practically in debit. In dealing with matters of their own interest freedom was the greatest essential. On the other hand, in dealing with common interests there was a danger of muddle unless the boards could be kept in touch and a complete interchange of views was secured before final action was taken. Lord Milner said ho was confident that with all the cards on the table they would never take conflicting action. The supreme importance of keeping the business together would always prevent that. Since the world was continually moving things could not wait until John Bull and Company could meet and talk things over. There should be established some sort of clearing house for the exchange of views. Would it not be of the highest utility! Such a clearing house should be in this country, where the board of the oldest branch was situated. There should be a standing committee on which every branch should be represented. Would it not be possible to have a Minister always here; not always the same man, for frequent changes wotdd bring the latest ideas from the respective units? Mr Watt, in replying, said the Empire to-day presented problems calling for earnest thought. The Dominions in the war, iu the Peace Conference, and in the League of Nations acquired a new status. They were jealous of our local autonomy, and they thought there was no necessity for any infraction or limitations of their autonomy. He agreed with the idea of closer communication by having Ministers in London with a changing personnel in constant touch with the Home Government. Dealing with the Peace Treaty he said that care must be taken to see that the Empire’s voice on international affairs came through one lip. This would not mean that overseas opinion would not be articulated on such matters. Mr Watt defended the “White Australia” policy. This doctrine meant, he said, that if there were to be negotiations between Britain and the Mikado Australia wanted her views consulted and registered. They must, at all hazards, preserve the spirit of Empire, League of Nations or no League of Nations. Australia believed that the Empire was essential to her existence. Australia had many problems for solution in which family consultation was necessary, but she would muddle her way or work her way through them all. He believed that there would shortly be a vast stride in federalism, and that the statutory convention would confer wider powers on the Federation. He invited the 'Parliamentary Association, if possible, to send a delegation to observe the proceedings of the convention when it assembled. He concluded by declaring that the cement that bound the Empire now and in the future was pride of race rather than any organic measure.