BOND OF EMPIRE

Taranaki Daily News, 22 November 1926, Page 9

BOND OF EMPIRE

EQUALITY THE KEYNOTE POWERS OF GOVERNORS INTER-STATE RELATIONS CONFERENCE DISCUSSIONS By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Received Nov. 21, 5.5 p.m. London, Nov. 20. The Inter-Imperial Relations Committee of the Imperial Conference reports: '•'Every self-governing member of the Empire is now master of its own destinies, subject to no compulsion whatever. Though every Dominion is the sole judgd of the extent of its co-operation, no common cause will be thereby imperilled. The equality of Britain and the Dominions is therefore the root principal governing inter-imperial relations, but flexible machinery is required to deal with questions of diplomacy and defence.'” The new title of “King,”’ which omits “Of the United Kingdom,” was made necessary owing to the altered state of affairs following the establishment of the Free State as a Dominion. The committee considers it essential, in consequence of the equality of Dominion status, that a Governor-General represent the Crown similarly to. His Majesty, and not as being the representative of the Imperial Government, wherefore a Governor-General cannot any longer be regarded as the official channel of communication between the Imperial and Dominion Governments. Details in regard to this will be settled as early as possible, after the Conference’s work is completed, and also the various points necessitating clarification in connection with Dominion legislation, particularly regarding the laws which have been submitted for His Majesty’s pleasure. DOMINIONS TO ADVISE CROWN. Regarding the differences of legislative competence between the Imperial and Dominion Parliaments, these were considered but left for expert guidance, though the right of each Dominion to advise the Crown regarding its own affairs was recognised. The committee recommend Britain and the Dominions to constitute an advisory committee dealing with the Crown’s assent to legislation, extra territorial, the operation of Dominion legislation, any change in colonial laws, and the validity of Acts in view of the existing inter-imperial relations. It was decided to remit merchant shipping legislation to a special subconference sitting simultaneously with the aforementioned expert committee. Any changes in connection with Privy Council appeals will be given effect to only after consultation. Regarding treaties, any Government must obtain the other Governments’ as- - sent before involving them in active obligations. Where all the Governments of the Empire should ratify a treaty the initiating Government may assume that the Government which had full opportunity of indicating its attitude and had not commented adversely, concurs in the ratification. The method of using in the preamble of League of Nations treaties the term “British Empire,” tends to obscurity and misunderstanding; wherefore, all treaties, whether under the auspices of the League or otherwise, should be made in the name of the heads of the States. If a treaty is made in the name of the King, it is to be as a symbol of special relationship between the different parts of the Empire. INTER-STATE REPRESENTATION. Plenipotentiaries for the various British units should have full powers issued by the King, indicating the part of the Empire for which they sign. This should also cover mandated territories. Where more than one part of the Empire desires representation at international conferences, this may be accomplished through a common plenipotentiary through an Empire delegation representing the various parts or by separate delegations representing each part. While recognising that the major share of the responsibility for foreign affairs rests with the British Government, the committee felt that the general principle regarding treaty procedure already outlined should apply as a guide. The British Government accepted a suggestion that any application by a foreign Government for the issue of consuls exequatur should be referred to the Dominion - Government concerned, since the Governor-General no longer represents the British Government in any Dominion. Members of the Conference desired the development of a system of personal contact between London and the Dominion capitals, supplementing the present system of inter-eommunieation. Details thereof should be settled between the Imp,erial and Dominion Governments, any new arrangements supplementing, and not replacing, the present system of direct communication between the Governments. Though no resolution was submitted regarding compulsory arbitration in international disputes, it was agreed that no Government represented at the Conferen- would accept the compulsory jurisdiction of a permanent court of international justice without further discussion. The results of the Loearno Treaty were explained and discussed, the Conference completely approving the conduct to a successful conclusion of the 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.