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the point of objection last taken in this memorandum, and it is convenient to paraphrase the further language of the succeeding paragraph 13, as summarizing New Zealand's objection to the Protocol: "For the reasons which have been enumerated, the draft" Protocol "in the eyes of His Majesty's Government " of New Zealand " holds out no serious prospect of advantage sufficient to compensate the world for the immense complication of international relations which it would create, the uncertainty of the practical effect of its clauses, and the consequent difficulty of conducting national policy." This memorandum may well conclude with a re.|iiest to be informed whether the words just quoted do not apply with even greater force to the P-otocol, and with a statement that the New Zealand Government is unable to understand any necessity for creating such obligations as the Protocol invents merely for the purpose of facilitating an International Conference on disarmament at Geneva. W. F, Mas.sey, Prime Minister, Wellington, 6th January, 1925, Note. —Copy of memorandum sent to Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, the Union of South Africa, the Irish Free State, and Newfoundland, by despatch, 17th February, 1925.

No. 9. The Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Governors-General of Canada, the Commonwealth of A ustralia, New Zealand, the Union of South Africa, and the Irish Free State, and the Governor of Newfoundland. [Telegram.] 3rd March. Following from Prime Minister for [Not to Irish Free State : your Prime Minister [To Irish Free State : President of Executive Council] : — Begins : Cabinet, after most careful and exhaustive inquiry, have come to the conclusion that they cannot accept the Geneva Protocol or recommend its acceptance to the other Governments of the Empire. In this conclusion they have been confirmed by the general agreement revealed in the communications so far received from the Dominion Governments. We feel that in view of the forthcoming session of the Council of the League of Nations, which begins on 9th March, a definite statement can no longer be withheld, and the Foreign Secretary has been authorized by the Cabinet to make a statement, text of which will, I hope, be ready for transmission to you in a separate telegram* as soon as its terms have been finally approved at meeting of Cabinet which is to be held to-morrow. I trust that this course and the tenor of the statement will meet with your general approval. lam very sorry not to have been able to communicate with you earlier, particularly in view of impending meeting of Council, but I am sure that you will appreciate that the important questions of policy involved rendered full consideration inevitable. Similar message sent to other Prime Ministers. Baldwin. Ends. —Amery.

No. 10. The Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Governors-General of Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, and the Union of South Africa, and the Governor of Newfoundland. [Telegram.] 4th March. Referring to message from Prime Minister 3rd March.] - Geneva Protocol. Following is text of communication referred to :— Begins : (Here follows text as printed in Cmd. 2368.) Ends. Cabinet has approved above statement and authorized Foreign Secretary to use it in such manner as he may find most desirable either as a statement or as a communication to the Secretary-General, League of Nations. In meantime please ask your Prime Minister to treat it as strictly confidential. —Amery. Note.—Copy of statement sent to the Irish Free State, 4th March, 1925.

No. 11. The Governor-General of Canada to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. [Telegram.] 4th March. Following from my Prime Minister for your Prime Minister : — Begins : After careful examination of the Geneva Protocol by members of the Cabinet and by inter-departmental Committee, our Government has come to conclusions which may be summarized as follows :— First, that we should continue to give whole-hearted support to the League of Nations and particularly to its work of conciliation, co-operation, and publicity. Second, that we do

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