79

A.—s

Mr. DEAKIN : We ask that its head should be connected in everything with the self-governing Colonies—Conference or no Conference. Sir JOSEPH WARD : That is understood. Dr. JAMESON : The " secretariat" referes to the general Conference in the paragraph before, and here the paragraph goes into minor matters. CHAIRMAN : Do you mean you would not put it in ? Dr. JAMESON : Yes, I would. CHAIRMAN : The Secretary suggests that we should simply use the term " Dominions over the Seas." Mr. DEAKIN : Are they all dominions ? " Dominion "is a technical title. In Canada the word " Dominion " includes the subordinate Provinces, just as the word " Commonwealth " with us includes States. Mr. WINSTON CHURCHILL : But in the plural, " Dominions," it is quite different. Mr. DEAKIN : I suggest you should bring in the words " local administrations " to put it beyond doubt, but am not particular about it —you might have both expressions. CHAIRMAN : It stands thus : " That upon matters of importance requiring consultation in common, either in this country." Mr. DEAKIN : What does " consultation in common " mean ? CHAIRMAN : That means between this country and others. Mr. DEAKIN : You cannot have a consultation without at least two people. Mr. WINSTON CHURCHILL : It means consultation in general. Mr. DEAKIN : Do the words " in common " convey anything? CHAIRMAN : It seems to me they are put in in rather a wrong place, and it would be better if it read in this way : " That upon matters of "importance either in this country or in His Majesty's Dominions beyond " the Seas between two or more of the Governments which require a consultation in common and which cannot he conveniently postponed until the " next Conference." Mr. DEAKIN : That is better. CHAIRMAN : " Or which involve subjects of a minor character or such as require detailed consideration subsidiary Conferences should be held between representatives of His Majesty's Dominions beyond the Seas and of the Mother Country, specially chosen for the purpose."

Third Day. 18 April 1907.

Future Constitution of the Conference.