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We must acknowledge the generosity of Sir Joseph Ward's words.

With such excellent feeling among the heads of the Dominions we need not fear that the various parts of the Empire will fail to co-operate adequately in Imperial defence. We think, however, that all kinds of Imperial Federation must respond to particular needs and be of more gradual growth than Sir Joseph Ward anticipates. The Australian Commonwealth, for instance, is not prepared, and in our view rightly, to consider any further step than the creation of a consultative council which would refer proposals back to the Dominion Parliaments. For our part we, could favour no scheme that split the Empire at the heart, whether under the name of federalism or under some other

title.

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