46

A.—4a

This arrangement, which appears to be simple and safe, has been found to work satisfactorily in the past, and is considered to be a sound arrangement to continue in the future. (4.) The final point in connection with the question of interchange of officers is to decide with whom the initiative in the matter should rest. It might perhaps be contended that the Chief of the Imperial General Staff would be the proper person to recommend and order the moves, but this procedure, if followed, would affect the principle of the full local control which, throughout the Imperial General Staff Memorandum, is so rightly insisted upon. It would seem best, therefore, to arrange that the initiative in regard to makingproposals for the interchange of officers should be vested in the Governments of the Over-sea Dominions, and provision made for notification to the Chief of the imperial General Staff through the Governments concerned of each proposed (Note. In this connection it must be recollected that though the financial year ends on the same date in Canada as in England, viz*., 31st March, the dates in Australia and New Zealand are, respectively, 30th June and 31st December.) 6. It is laid down in the Imperial General Staff Memorandum that " While the Chiefs of the local sections of the Imperial General Staff keep in close communication with the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, they cannot receive orders from him." Thus, at the outset, is established the principle of the full control of the local Chief by his own Government. There are, however, certain matters of routine, and questions of a purely ephemeral nature, regarding which the several Ministers of "Defence may be disposed to authorise direct communication being established between sections, and between the central body and sections, of the Imperial General Staff. 7. In order to assist in the development of the Imperial General Staff, the views of the Governments of the Over-sea Dominions are invited on the following points : — . , Ist. In what manner is it proposed to arrange for the preliminary and higher education of officers of the local forces \ 2nd. Are the services of any qualified General Staff Officers of the Home Regular Army required by any of the Dominions ? If so, what number of officers would be required, when, what would be their duties, and what emoluments would be offered? What should be their Erradin o " ? 3rd. Do the views advanced on the subject of the interchange of General Staff Officers meet with general concurrence ? 4th. Is the principle of direct communication to the limited extent indicated in paragraph 6 generally acceptable ?

Intercommunication

Summary of proposals.