A—s

126

Fifth Day. 23 April 1907.

Sir FREDERICK BORDEN : And the responsibility for any particular officer so selected would continue to the particular Government under which he was serving. Mr. HALDANE : He would be a member of their General Staff detailed for this general service. Sir FREDERICK BORDEN : Yes, I think that is so. There is one word here which it is thought might be improved—" fostering.'' Sir WILFRID LAURIER : I merely make just this suggestion, that instead of " which shall be the means of fostering the study of military " science," we should say, " which shall study military science." I do not care very much which it is. Mr. HALDANE : Yes, " which shall study military science in all its " branches." That is quite as good, ff that is agreed to I have no criticism upon it. Mr. DEAKIN : I have some abbreviations to suggest. Mr. HALDANE : Then it will be " which shall study military science " in all its branches." Sir WILFRID LAURIER : I think that is all, as far as I am concerned. Mr. DEAKIN : Will Sir Frederick Borden kindly listen to this, and see if it will not simplify it —" That this Conference," omitting the next two words, " cordially approving the exposition of general principles embodied in " the statement of the Secretary of State for War "-omitting the next words and substituting " recommends to the Governments represented " —omitting the next words " the need of developing for the service of the Empire a " General Staff selected from the forces of the Empire." So that it would read : " That this Conference, cordially approving " —this is all we do— " the exposition of general principles embodied in the statement of the " Secretary of State for War, recommends to the Governments represented " the need of developing for the service of the Empire a General Staff selected " from the forces." Would that meet your view, Mr. Haldane ? Mr. HALDANE: That meets my view. It is shorter, and 1 am in favour of anything that is short. Mr. DEAKIN : It gets rid of a good many words; we cordially approve the exposition of general principles, and recommend to our Governments the need of developing a general staff. Mr. HALDANE : " Recommend the desirability " might be better. Mr. DEAKIN : Very good; I was only shortening it. It is at present rather winding. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : Sometimes it is well to have these long statements, and I would let it stand as it is.

Military Defence.