From a summary of the discussions which preceded the adoption
of the resolution it appears that the abandonment of an Imperial Council (i.e., a body formed of the present members plus a permanent Imperial Civil Committee). and the limiting of the secretariat to a departmental organisation, was largely due to the line taken by Sir Wilfrid Laurier. Wednesday's report notes that the exhaustive statement made by Mr. Haldane as to the general principles of Imperial military organisation was favourably received by the Colonial representatives, who also approved of the draft resolution recommending the creation of a General Staff for the Empire. The Conference unanimously passed a resolu- tion authorising the Colonies to refer to the Committee of Imperial Defence, through the Secretary of State, for expert advice in regard to local questions, it being further arranged that, whenever so desired, a representative of the Colony desiring such advice should be summoned to attend as a member of the Committee during the discussion of the ques- tions raised. At Tuesday's meeting the First Lord of the Admiralty explained the general, principles upon which the Admiralty held that the defence of the Empire should be organised. While insisting on the need for unity of control of the Fleet, he stated that he did not desire to press for further contributions of men or money, but cordially welcomed the co-operation of the Colonies in Vie form most agreeable to themselves. Lord Tweedmontla s remarks may fairly be
interpreted as encouraging the formation of local navies ; but while we welcome his adhesion to a principle advocated in these columns, we should like to know whether it represents the attitude of the Imperial Defence Committee.
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