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1925. NEW ZEALAND.

PROTOCOL FOR THE PACIFIC SETTLEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES: CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE POSITION OF THE DOMINIONS.

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

(1924.) No. 1. The Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Governors-General of Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand,, and the Union of South Africa. (Telegram.) 21st November. Letter has been sent by His Majesty's Government to Secretary-General, League of Nations, 15th November, in following terms : — Begins : Owing to very recent accession to office His Majesty's Government will not be able for some time to form considered opinion on terms of Protocol for Pacific Settlement of International Disputes drawn up by Fifth Assembly nor will they be able to furnish proper instructions to their representative on Council for purpose of preparatory work for proposed Conference on reduction of armaments which it is contemplated should be undertaken by Council at next meeting. They find themselves therefore to their great regret obliged to request that this item of agenda of next meeting of Council may be postponed to later session when they will have been able to give it close attention which its great importance necessitates. Ends. This step has been taken in order to allow His Majesty's Government more time to study exceedingly important problems involved and in particular on account of their desire to arrive at agreement with Dominion Governments before any further action taken in regard to Protocol.—Amery. Note.—Copy sent to the Governor-General of .the Irish Free State by Secretary of State's despatch, 21st November, 1924.

No. 2. The Secetary of State for the Colonies to the Governors-General of Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, and the Union of South Africa, and the Governor of Newfoundland. [Telegram.] 1 9th December. Following from Prime Minister for your Prime Minister Begins : We have now been able to give preliminary examination to terms of Geneva Protocol for Pacific Settlement of International Disputes and are greatly impressed with momentous character of question both in its scope and in its consequences. Not only does instrument itself raise issuer of highest importance involving as they do such matters as the submission to compulsory arbitration even of vital interests and the imposition of sanctions of the most drastic character, but its consideration necessarily brings to the forefront farreaching problems affecting the security of the Empire, and its future relations to the countries of Europe and the United States of America.

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