11 MAY 1907, Page 3

Great Britain felt grateful, not merely for the concessions already

granted by Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, but for the spirit of comradeship and affection which inspired the policy ; but when asked what they were prepared to do in return, he replied that Great Britain was the best customer the Colonies had got for their products. In these circumstances, he held that consideration should be given to practical proposals, and he fully recognised the importance of Sir J. Ward's suggestions for improving cable communication, appointing Commercial Attaches in the Colonies to assist British trade, and accelerating inter-Imperial communication. We may note that the Sydney correspondent of the Times in Tuesday's issue states that the answer of the British Govern- ment, while causing regret, excites no resentment, as there is no desire to dictate British policy to Britain.