21 JUNE 1924, Page 9

The British Government in power in October, 1922, no doubt

with the best intentions in the world, made a gross blunder in deciding upon the British Empire representation at Lausanne without previous con- sultation with the Dominions. When Mr. Mackenzie King was informed of the proposed procedure he was confronted with a fait accompli. The Dominions were informed that as a result of agreement with France and Italy the British delegation at Lausanne was to consist of two delegates. They were then asked whether they would agree to allow Lord Curzon and Sir Horace Rumbold to represent the whole British Empire. As Sir Edward Grigg said in an able speech in the House of Commons, " the important thing was that they were given no choice, no alternative in the matter."