440
on behalf of any part of the Colonial Empire
other than the Far Eastern Colonies which
have already been specified, without con-
suiting the Governments of the Self-governing
Tominions and of the other Colonies.
3. He would suggest therefore that the
Self-governing Dominions and the other
Colonies should be placed on the same footing
as non-signatory Powers and should be consulted
with reference to adhesion to the Convention
when the Convention has been concluded in
its final form. If and when the Governments
in question signify their agreement in the
terms of the Convention, the British Minister
at the Hague can be instructed to sign the
Convention on their behalf and ultimately
the Convention can be ratified by His Majesty
on behalf of all those parts of the Empire which
have accepted it. Mr Harcourt suggests that
instructions to this effect should be sent
to the British delegates.
4.
Under this arrangement there will not
be the usual clause in the Convention empower-
ing any Self-governing Sominion to withdraw
subsequently upon the giving of notice. If
the Convention is recognised it will be neces-
sary to recognise it for the Empire as a
whole.
5.
Mr Harcourt however recognises that
this restriction of the liberty of withdrawal
is rendered necessary by the subject matter
of the Convention and by the attitude adopted
by other Powers, and in transmitting the
Convention to the Dominion Governments, he
will make the point clear, so that there will
be no risk of misunderstanding by the Dominions
if they accept the Convention.
6.
Mr Harcourt will be glad to receive
copies of the Convention as soon as possible
after signature, in order that they may be
communicated to the Governments of the
Dominions.
I am, etc.,
4.