A.—7.

Africa, and of the Government of India, as well as the delegates of Southern Rhodesia and Burma. The stimulation which has come from the pursuit of our common interests, a study of each other's problems, and the friendships which we have formed here, are not the least among the fruits of our stay in London. At a time when dissension and disintegration are so destructively at work throughout the world it has been a wholesome experience to share, with men of goodwill, in the task of preserving unity and of furthering peace. As we return to our homes it will be a source of reassurance to know that there exists that identity of purpose and singleness of aim and aspiration which, in this Conference, we have been happy to And is our joint possession. STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA. The Right Hon. J. A. Lyons: Mr. Prime Minister and Gentlemen. First of all, let me say that what Mr. Mackenzie King has said in appreciation of the great services which Earl Baldwin and yourself have rendered to Great Britain and to the Empire, and the gratitude that he has expressed towards you both for your kindly, friendly helpfulness during our deliberations, express what is in the minds of all of us, and I desire to associate the Australian delegation with all that Mr. Mackenzie King has said. At the opening of the present Conference the speeches dwelt upon the great changes that have taken place during the past ten years in the status of the Dominions and in the constitutional relations of the different parts of the Empire. They stressed the fact that in the progressive evolution that has occurred over that period a basis of free co-operation between a group of great self-governing States had been reached. We went into the Conference realizing that the task which lay to our hand was to show that it was on this basis of free co-operation that the unity and solidarity of the British Empire could best be maintained. We realized that in accomplishing this not only would we best serve our individual and collective interest, but we would also be setting an inspiring example to the world. We approached our task with a deep sense of responsibility, realizing how great were the issues dependent upon our actions. Reviewing the Conference in retrospect, I say, without hesitation, that we have merged triumphantly. In doing so we have shown that the forebodings of those who felt that the constitutional developments of the past few years might lead to the disruption of the British Empire were without foundation, and we have again demonstrated the common sense and genius for self-government of the British peoples. The deliberations of this Conference have been most impressive to all of us who have been privileged to take part in them. There has been the freest expression of views by the representatives of all parts of the Empire assembled at the Conference. There has been no attempt to shirk difficulties or to avoid facing differences of opinion. The outstanding feature of the deliberations has been the good nature, tolerance, and understanding shown by all the delegations towards each other's difficulties. This Conference has put the coping stone upon the work of the 1926 Imperial Conference. That Conference will go down to history as the one at which the problem of the constitutional relations between the self-governing parts of the British Empire was resolved. This Conference, I believe, will go down to history as the one at which the successful application of the principles for which the British Commonwealth of Nations stands was first clearly demonstrated. The most important questions dealt with at the Conference were international affairs and defence. On these vital issues there was no divergence on fundamental principles. On the contrary, there was remarkable unanimity. As to the methods which should be adopted towards achieving the objectives with which we were all in accord, there were differences of opinion. These differences, however, led to healthy discussions. I rom the exchange of views which these entailed we have all, I am certain, derived great benefit and have been enabled to see in clearer perspective the problems that confront us. On no question was this truer than in regard to international relations. As a result of the personal and frank discussions which took place at the Conference the Dominions obtained a clearer understanding of the difficulties that have confronted Britain in her foreign policy during the past few years, and a clearer insight into the reasons and causes which have governed her actions. The very full, clear, and frank statements which were made to the Conference on behalf of the British Government brought home to all of us how unwearingly and unremittingly the United Kingdom Government has striven during the recent difficult years for peace and the ideals for which all the members of the British Commonwealth of Nations stand. On the other hand, I am convinced that the United Kingdom Government have obtained a clearer picture of the points of view and attitude of mind of the different Dominions towards international affairs and the many complex problems associated with foreign policy. 6—A. 7.

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