609

A.—s

Mr. BUXTON : The original draft Convention was sent to the various Colonies, not asking them to agree to it or join, but for information, and pointing out at the same time that they would not be bound by it until after they had an opportunity of considering the draft Convention as amended after the Conference. That has now been sent out, some time in January, to the various Colonies for their consideration, pointing out, I presume, this particular clause, which was put in at the desire of the Colonial Office, enabling them, as 1 say, to stay out if they liked, or come in if they liked at any time and go out again on a year's notice. Mr. BRODEUR : The question of representation has been discussed in this despatch sent to Canada. Mr. BUXTON : It was merely a copy sent for information. It does not come into force until July of next year. Mr. BABINGTON SMITH : It runs for an indefinite period. Mr. DEAKIN : The Conference is to meet five years from when ? Mr. BABINGTON SMITH : It meets in 1911. Mr. BUXTON : That is about five years from the time of the last meeting. CHAIRMAN : With regard to the explanations, we purposely put off our general despatch until the Select Committee had finished sitting. Mr. BRODEUR : The Committee is still sitting ? CHAIRMAN: Yes. Mr. BUXTON : We have practically completed taking evidence. We shall probably report after Whitsuntide. Mr. DEAKIN : That will deal completely with the whole of this question ? Mr. BUXTON : I imagine so. Mr. DEAKIN : Does it point to still further amendments to the draft Convention ? Mr. BUXTON : There is no question before the Committee and the Government of amendment of the Convention as it now stands. We have to take it or leave it as it is. The Convention was hammered out with British delegates representing the War Office, the Admiralty, and the Post Office. They agreed to it and thought it satisfactory. The Committee is appointed to report to the Government what they think would be the results if it is ratified or not ratified. Mr. DEAKIN : There was then an original Convention and an amending Convention ?

Fifteenth Day. 14 May 1907.

Wireless Telegraphy.

78—A. 5