A.—s

Article 10 has been omitted, and replaced by a new article which provides for denunciation. Article 11 is purely one of procedure. The objects generally of the amendments and suggestions submitted were to strengthen the provisions of the draft convention ; but, whilst some of them were very desirable from a humanitarian standpoint, and aimed at abolishing slavery in all its forms in the shortest possible time bv means of repatriation and the payment of compensation, the committee found that they could not be included without considerable difficulty in the Convention. In addition, some of the proposals exceeded the authority held by members, and their adoption would have necessitated the amended draft being reconsidered by many Governments. Mandates. The Council, having considered the report of the Mandates Commission, resolved to refer to the several mandatory Powers for their opinion the proposed new questionnaire and the proposal to hear petitioners orally at Geneva. It is considered advisable to delay our report on this subject, as we anticipate that representatives of all the British Mandatories (including New Zealand) will confer at the Imperial Conference and may probably agree upon a united answer to the Council. We are, Sir, Your obedient servants, F. H. D. BELL, C. J. PARR. The Honourable The Acting Prime Minister, Wellington, New Zealand. [Note. —Copies of the documents referred to in the foregoing report have been placed in the General Assembly Library for convenience of reference.]

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