The Prime Minister , gave the House, cn Thursday, August I8th,
an acceunt of the Imperial Conference. He welcomed the desire of the Dominions to take part in determining the foreign policy of the Empire, and said that the Dominion Premiers had discussed foreign affairs very thoroughly. They had not discussed the Irish question; General Smuts 'had taken action in that matter merely as an individual, though with the full assent of the King and the Cabinet. The Conference d. tided not to consider the constitutional aspect of the Empire, holding, as Mr. Lloyd George expressed it, that " it is an indefinable thing that makes the British Empire united and potent." It was agreed that more frequent conferences wore desirable, if communications could be improved, perhaps by the use of. airships. As for naval defence, the Dominions felt that the whole burden should not rest upon Great Britain, but they were not agreed as to the best method of helping the Navy.
Previous page
