CANADA’S STATUS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 306, 17 March 1928, Page 9

CANADA’S STATUS

TREATY WITH BRITAIN NO CHANGE IN JOINT COMMISSION By Cable. —Press Association. — Copyright. Reed. 11.20 a.m. OTTAWA, Thurs. Replying to Mr. J. S. Woods worth.. Labour member for Winnipeg, the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. W. L. Mackenzie King, denied Canada’s intention to make the change in the International Joint Commission as previously reported. A treaty creating the commission in harmony with Canada’s status is being prepared. The appointments would remain in the hands of the British Government under the treaty, but Britain had intimated to Mr. Mackenzie King that the British Government would most certainly be advised by the Canadian Ministers in regard to appointments to the commission.— A. and N.Z.

A message from Ottawa on March S said: —A startling development as a result of Canada's changed relationship with Britain is imminent. From authentic sources it is learned that the Prime Minister, Mr. Mackenzie King, contemplates utilising the opportunities of the new status of Canada in the British Commonwealth to make drastic changes in the basis and the personnel of the national Joint Commission, which relates to the use of the boundary waters between Canada and the States. The treaty provides for the establishment and maintenance of an international joint commission, consisting of three representatives appointed by the King on the recommendation of the Dominion, and three appointed by the President of the United States. The commission has jurisdiction, subject to the treaty conditions, in all cases involving the use, obstruction or di\ r ersion of the boundary waters.