A.—4a

32

c. MILITARY DEFENCE.

(i.) The question of military defence was discussed at the second meeting of the Conference held on July 29th at the War Office, particularly with reference to a paper circulated for the consideration of the Conference, entitled " Proposals " for so organizing the military forces of the Empire as to insure their effective " co-operation in the event of war." The representatives of the self-governing Dominions were understood to signify their general concurrence in the proposition " that each part of the Empire is willing to make its preparations on such " lines as will enable it, should it so desire, to take its share in the general defence " of the Empire," and it was agreed that a sub-conference of experts should be formed to deal with the various questions raised in the above-mentioned memorandum, and to make a report to the full Conference, the sub-conference to meet under the chairmanship of General Sir W. G. Nicholson, G.C.8., Chief of the General Staff. The sub-conference held three sittings on 30th July, 4th August, and 10th August. The report dated the 10th of August was duly submitted to the Conference at its final meeting on the 19th of August, and was indorsed by its members, excepting the representatives from South Africa, who were unable to express adherence to any policy which might seem to bind the Government and Parliament of the Union of South Africa, in anticipation of their establishment.