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information flowing from this centre to these different Colonies, and always available not only by the Governments of these different Colonies, but by their Parliaments, I can see considerable use for such a department as we are here trying to establish. Also I would like to know whether it would be possible under this clause for any Colony having a particular interest at stake, and wishing to bring it prominently to the notice of the Colonial Governments and the Home Government, to be directly represented on its staff by any nominee for the purpose of laying their case before the secretariat. General BOTHA : I have no particular objection to the article as it stands. I think the link between the Conference and our Agents-General should be strengthened and drawn closer, because these Agents-General really represent us here. They are sent over from our Colonies, and, in my opinion, it would seem that they are somewhat left out in the cold according to the wording of this resolution. It occurred to me whether it was not advisable to insert after the words " Secretary of State for the Colonies " the following : " acting in Consultation with the Agents-General representing " the Colonial Governments." CHAIRMAN : There are two sides to this question, I think; one the general proposition, and the other the actual method of working it out. With regard to the general proposition, my proposal takes a step in advance of what has hitherto prevailed, in providing a link between Conference and Conference. We accept this proposition which has been put forward with some persistence, if I may use the word, and has been strongly advocated, more strongly advocated, in some quarters than in others. We accept the principle, and must accept the principle, as I said in my speech yesterday, under the condition of Ministerial responsibility, on which Sir Wilfrid Laurier has insisted. Therefore it comes to this, that following his observations, in which 1 entirely agree, that Ministerial responsibility must be vested in the Imperial Government, because the representatives of the Colonial Governments cannot be in this place. Therefore it is for His Majesty's Government to determine how they can implement the desire of the Conference, and secure the necessary ministerial responsibility on which the institution of this link depends. I think that there will really be no difference of opinion on that statement of the case. Now I put it to the Conference as almost a truism that each government must really be left to decide in what way it is most convenient for it to divide the business which it to be put upon it. It is difficult enough in this country, and I daresay you find it difficult enough in your own countries, to divide the business of the Government between the different ministers; to provide for the necessary and not unnecessary number of members composing the Cabinet, and various things of that kind. Therefore I venture to put it very respectfully to this Conference that they should not enter into the question of how in the opinion of His Majesty's Government the ministerial responsibility is to be put into operation. That is a matter which His Majesty's Government must determine. If you accept our proposition that we should with ministerial responsibility provide the link which you desire, and which we think you reasonably desire, between Conference and Conference, you should allow us a free hand in other respects. Still, in consequence of what was said at yesterday's meeting, I did, as I say, inform the Prime Minister of the expression of views which Mr. Deakin and others made, and I am to say for him that he does not see how the Prime Minister of this country could undertake the direction of the secretariat which it is proposed to set up. On the other hand, the proposition which I put forward I put forward on my own responsibility as Secretary of State for the

Third Day. IS April 1907.

Futvkk Constitution of THE Conference. I Mr. F. R. Moor.)