Empire Co-operation
Australia's desire, sharply stimulated by events in Malaya, for closer contact between the Dominions and Whitehall was given expression on Tuesday by Sir Earle Page in an important statement in which he explained the necessity of building up an administrative foundation for con- sultation and co-ordination. He thinks that too much emphasis has been laid on what he calls the "political make-up." A Dominion Minister might meet British Ministers at an Imperial War Council or Cabinet, and be asked to join in making decisions, but he would not have available the whole background of in- formation built up by the departments before a question comes up for discussion. In Sir Earle's view there should be full con- sultation between administrative officers at all the stages in which plans are being drawn up, before they are placed before Ministers. In other words he wants, and quite rightly asks, that a Dominion Government, before it confers with the other governments of the Empire, should have in its hands the whole body of relevant information about military and supply questions which is in the possession of the home Government. This is a very reasonable request, but it is not entirely clear what Sir Earle Page means. Dominion officials will certainly not be refused information about administrative measures at any stage. It is theirs for the asking.
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