483

A.—s

Lord TWEEDMOUTH : That we shall be glad to give. Dr. Smartt spoke about the Naval dock at Simonstown the other day, and the matter was referred to the Hydrographer. I have not got his report yet, but I will get it. Dr. SMARTT : So long as I know you are really considering the matter I am satisfied, because it is a matter of considerable importance to the Cape, and to the Empire. Lord TWEEDMOUTH : Yes, it has been referred to the Hydrographer for report already. Ido not think I have anything else to add. Ido not think we can pass a resolution now. We must have the answers from the various Parliaments before we can come to a definite conclusion. CHAIRMAN : I find that at the last Conference there was no definite resolution on the subject, but only discussions on proposals put forward, which were taken for consideration, and that is our position now. Dr. SMARTT : I should think perhaps, if you would not mind letting that wait over until the Conference is again up to its full strength, the Conference may be able to affirm the advisability of the various Dependencies of the Empire recognising their obligations, and insisting on doing anything they can to assist the Navy. If we do not close it now it can be put in some form before the Conference. The Admiralty might draft a resolution of that character. Mr. F. R. MOOR : Apart from what the Conference say to-day, Natal and the Cape will be quite satisfied to have that short Memorandum from the Admiralty, so that we can lay these views of the Admiralty before our Parliaments. CHAIRMAN : Yes. After an adjournment: COMMERCIAL TREATY QUESTION. After further discussion in private, on resuming : Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : I suppose you have the confidential memorandum prepared by the Board of Trade and circulated with regard to the best means of consulting the Colonies in commercial negotiations ? Mr. DEAKIN : I have been looking at it this morning for a little while. Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : If there are any suggestions which any Colonial Minister would care to make about this either now or later on, I will be obliged. Mr. DEAKIN : I am not in a position to make any practical suggestion. We have really no time either to read or consider these papers. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : I have looked at it, and it seems to me very satisfactory that no Treaty should apply to any of the Dependencies unless they adhere to it, and then provision is made in the Treaty that they can put an end to it. That is pretty satisfactory.

Thirteenth Day. 8 May 1907.

Naval Defencf.

CIIMMKIK I \l Treaty Question.