A—s

438

Mr. DEAKIN : This would be my position. Ido not specially object to this resolution even as it stands, though I admit there is force in Dr. Jameson's fear that it may be misinterpreted. There are words that would make it acceptable to me, if not to the other members. 1 would propose that after the word " that " we introduce the words : " without prejudice to the " resolutions, already accepted, this Conference recognises the importance " of promoting greater freedom," and so on. Dr. SMARTT : That will do. Mr. ASQUITH : Let us see if we can meet Mr. Deakin. We are anxious to if we can. You said the resolutions, but you must include the reservation made by the Imperial Government. * Mr. DEAKIN : Certainly the resolutions or reservations. Mr. ASQUITH : It had better be on the face of it to make it plain. Mr. DEAKIN : To make it plain I have put: " That without prejudice "to the resolution already accepted or the reservation of His Majesty's " Government, this Conference, &c." CHAIRMAN : I will read it again to make it quite plain. Dr. JAMESON : I am quite content. Mr. F. R. MOOR : I am satisfied. General BOTHA : Yes. Sir JOSEPH WARD : I am quite satisfied. Mr. DEAKIN : We always get unanimous before we finish. CHAIRMAN : This is the resolution of the Conference. Dr. JAMESON : Then there is my further resolution. Mr. DEAKIN : I do not know whether the President has a resolution with reference to coastwise trade. I take it that is bound up with this, in a sense. Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : I will show you Sir Robert Finlay's opinion on that, and then if, after that, you still think it right, you will press it. Mr. DEAKIN : Thank you. CHAIRMAN : The only arrangement I have made for to-morrow is that the First Lord of the Admiralty will come. Dr. JAMESON : May we first finish up this resolution, or it will disappear altogether. Mr. ASQUITH : I think we had better dispose of it now.

Twelfth Day. 7 May 1907.

Preferential Trade.

Resolution VII., p. vii.