125

ference. It would perhaps be presumptions on my part to congratulate you on the manner in which you have carried the Conference over such difficult obstacles. It is a remarkable achievement. The members of the Indian Delegation deem it to be a great privilege to have had some small share in the deliberations and conclusions of this historic assembly over which vou have presided with such distinguished success. There can be little doubt that the future historians of the economic evolution of this century will find it necessary to open a new chapter with Ottawa. To us, coming as we do from a country with many new aspirations, it has-been a very great benefit to listen to the observations and views of the statesmen who have been gathered here from many distant parts of the Empire, and we hope that the lessons we have learned here will be of very great value to us in whatever work we may be engaged in on return to our Native Country. I should also like to take this opportunity of renewing the expression of our very warm feelings of gratitude to you and to the Government and people of Canada for the magnificent hospitality which you have extended to us in your country. There is nothing either in the way of business or of social amenities or of personal contact which we could have asked for or wanted that was not already anticipated, and we shall carry away the best memories of our time in Ottawa. We have had opportunities in the capital of associating with citizens of all ranks and professions, and you have provided, with infinite trouble and forethought, occasions for us to see something both of the great natural attractions of your country and of the remarkable achievements in social and industrial progress which have been attained by you. It is the hope of the members of the Indian Delegation—l speak on their behalf—that it may be possible in the not distant future for the Indian Government and the Indian people to extend to you and to the other representatives of your Government an invitation to visit our country on some worthy occasion; and if this hope is realized we can assure you Mr. Chairman, that, although we may not be able to provide you with as luxurious a sojourn in our country as we have had in yours, still our welcome will be no less spontaneous and warmhearted than yours. Mr. Moffat: Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to be able, on behalf of Southern Rhodesia, to speak a few words to the motion proposed by Mr. Baldwin. Mr. Coates referred to the fact that it is proper that you, Sir, as Prime Minister of this Dominion, should have occupied the position of chairman of the Conference. It seems to me especially appropriate that you, the one who first suggested the holding of this Conference, should have been in the chair. Two years ago when you suggested this policy which has been consummated here it seemed an impossibility. Since then our outlook has changed considerably and what was then impossible is to-"day an accomplished fact. Sir, your hope, your faith and, I think we may say, your vision have been justified. What will be the ultimate effect of this policy it is of course not possible to-day to foresee, but there can be no doubt that we have laid the foundation of a policy which will have far reaching results. It is bound to establish fresh ties between the different parts of the Empire; it is bound to bring them all closer together, building up a stronger Empire, a stronger combination of nations. •It would be impossible for me to add to what Mr. Baldwin has said. He has expressed my own feelings and the feelings of my fellow delegates far better than I could ever do. I can only say that we shall never forget the many great kindnesses which we have received from you, Mr. Prime Minister, from your ministers, from the people of Ottawa and from the people of Canada. We have had a wonderful month here which will be a memory with us. We carry away the very happiest memories of this visit, and I can only tender to you our sincerest good wishes for the Dominion whose destinies you have been called upon to guide. Mr. Baldwin: I move formally that the thanks and appreciation of this Conference be expressed to the Prime Minister of Canada for the services he has rendered as chairman of the Conference at Ottawa. Motion agreed to. The Chairman: Gentlemen, I am deeply grateful for the kind terms in which you have moved this resolution and for the enthusiasm with which you have adopted it. There have been moments when I have been impatient, and, perhaps, intolerant. But I feel, in view of the generous expressions you