10 JUNE 1911, Page 2

At the Imperial Conference on Thursday, Mr. Harcourt brought forward

his proposals by means of which the con- tinuity of the Conference was to be preserved by the esta- blishment of a Standing Committee of High Commissioners or other officials representing the various Dominions. The suggestion was viewed with some favour by the Australian and New Zealand representatives, as being likely to lead to a better means of consultation in the intervals between con- ferences. It was strongly felt, however, that such a Committee, not being responsible in any way to the Parlia- ments of the various Dominions, could never be entrusted with functions of real importance. The scheme was eon. sequently in the end withdrawn.