A.—s

608

Mr. DEAKIN : Was it amended in both those respects ? Mr. BUXTON : Yes, very much so; because in the original Convention Germany proposed that there should be no votes for the Colonies whatever, but only one vote for each country and the Colonies not represented at all. In regard to the other point the Admiralty having got all the amendments they required in the original draft Convention, are now fully satisfied, not only that the Convention is a good thing in itself, but that it would be a disadvantage both from a naval and commercial point of view if we did not ratify it. Mr. DEAKIN : The great safeguard so far as I can grasp it at present is the power of withdrawal after 12 months. Mr. BUXTON : Yes; supposing it is found that intercommunication is not satisfactory, and certainly if it is found to be in any possible sense a danger, we should have no hesitation whatever about withdrawing from the Convention, which we can do at 12 months' notice. Mr. DEAKIN : 1 understood it was final, that if you were in you could not get out, unless you took the extraordinary step of seeking to dissolve the conference. Mr. BUXTON : No, you can withdraw with the greatest ease. Mr. BRODEUR : What is our position in the Colonies with regard to that Convention which has been made ? Are we affected in any way ? Mr. BUXTON : No. The position of each self-governing Colony is this : They did not take part in the deliberations of the Conference because it was understood they, naturally, did not wish to be committed to the terms of the Convention until they had an opportunity of considering it in all its bearings after it was passed. Therefore, they had nothing to do with the drafting of the Convention. The Convention has now been radically modified from the draft, and they have full liberty to adhere or not. They can come in at any time. Mr. BRODEUR : The draft Convention has never been submitted. Mr. BUXTON : Yes; that was sent to all of them. The new Convention has now been sent out, but it was only last January, so that the position of the Colonies is that, after they have considered the amended Convention, there is no obligation to come in; and if they do not want to come in, they stand out; it is on their own initiative. If they want to come in, they can come in at any day, and can go out on a year's notice. Mr. BRODEUR : I was not in the Department when the matter was brought to the attentron of the Government, but I understand the draft Convention was submitted by the British Government to the Colonies. We answered, as far as Canada was concerned, that we had no objection to that draft Convention. The meeting of the Conference took place, and a modified Convention has been made out, which has been submitted to the Government.

Fifteenth Day. 14 May 1907.

Wireless Telegraphy.