PUBLIC
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RECORD OFFICE
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TILL CO.
}
10
The work of the Committee may or may not be satisfactory, but nothing can be suggested which can alter the personnel of Colonial Repre- sentatives; and if we are to go into conference with them at all we must accept their limita- tions. It is better to confer with even a second class man if he has tried to inform himself of the subject-matter, than to confer with him when his mind is wholly uninformed.
As to the incapacity of Colonists to keep secrets, I have made provision by way of safe- guard, by withdrawing the suggestion that they should have the powers of Royal Commissioners and withholding from them subjects for discus- sion unless these are referred to them by the Council, or by one or more Colonies and the Secretary of State.
The whole proposal appears to me to have been somewhat magnified; it is, in my opinion, a cautious and tentative plan to give reality to the periodical Conferences. It is only necessary to read the proceedings of those which have taken place to see that the time has come when, if they are to advance to some- thing really practical in the future, careful preparation of the agenda by representatives of all concerned must be made. Some of the topics which can be dealt with by the Council are too private to be considered by the Com- mittee, but many remain not open to that objection.
A. L.
April 10, 1905.
185
17 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
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