In the Commons on Tuesday, when the vote for the
Im- perial Defence Committee came under discussion, Mr. Balfour pointed out that the Committee was still in an embryonic condition. The Committee would not trench upon the responsih bilities of the Admiralty or the War Office, or of the Cabinet. The Committee had no executive power. Whenever any Colonial problem was involved, or when the Colonies should take a keener interest in Imperial defence as a whole, he hoped that the Committee would have the advantage of their assistance at its deliberations. Descending to particulars, Mr. Balfour affirmed that we could not allow the countries lying between India and Russia to be gradually absorbed and con- verted into secondary bases. The last thing he expected was a collision in that part of the world, but the problem must be faced. We are glad to note Sir Edward Grey's strong ap- proval of the Committee. If properly handled, it should become a most useful instrument for informing the Executive on matters in regard to which it is important they should be informed. It is essential, however, to prevent the Committee qua Committee developing a policy of its own. Its business is to report on the facts, the whole facts, and nothing but the facts. The policy to be based on the facts must remain solely with the Cabinet.
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