The next important decision that the Conference reached was to
open negotiations with the Government of the United States for an extension of the right of search beyond the three-mile limit in cases of suspected liquor-smuggling. At the same time, it was laid down that the doctrine of the three-mile limit was a cardinal feature of British policy. The Conference apparently recognizes the value of the old saying that it is the excep- tion which proves (or, rather, illustrates) the rule, and therefore is very willing to make this exception in order to meet the wishes of the United States if it results in a clearer recognition of the general rule. Negotiations on these lines have accordingly been opened. The last motion on the relations of the Empire with the rest of the world was one which reaffirmed the Empire's unabated support of the League of Nations.
Previous page
