PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
C.O. 885
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
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be followed by a loss of some part of the export trade to those countries; probably of some portion of it, which consists in the distribution of foreign and colonial produce. With the denunciation of the Treaties the commerce of the Empire
with these countries would have to be carried
on under fiscal conditions subject to constant changes and fluctuations, or at all events without that permanence and security which is of primary importance to successful and profitable interchange. It would be extremely difficult, in existing cir- cumstances, to negotiate new Treaties of a satis- factory character at an early date, and the loss which might in the meantime result to a trade of forty-one millions sterling would, perhaps, prove to be irreparable. On the other hand, no scheme has been proposed which foreshadows any precise advantages to be secured to the export trade, amounting to thirty-five millions sterling, from the United Kingdom to the British Colonies, in the event of the termination of these Treaties.
51. I may further observe that the self-governing Colonies themselves would lose any advantage they now derive from their inclusion in the German and Belgian Treaties; since, if those Treaties were denounced, both countries would, in view of the circumstances attending the passing of the Reso- lutions of the Colonial Conference, and in view of the bigh tariffs existing in many of the Colonies, no doubt decline to include the British Colonies in
any new Treaty that might be negotiated, and con- sidering the small amount of their trade, it would be very difficult for them, if in an isolated position, to secure advantageous terms except by very heavy concessions. In this connexion it might be expe- dient for the self-governing Colonies themselves to consider how much their interests are involved. A large item in the exports from the United Kingdom to Belgium and Germany is wool,” about 800,000/. in value, largely, there is no doubt, colonial wool. Other articles of colonial export also find a market in Belgium and Germany.
£8,000,000
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52. In these circumstances, as preferential arrange- ments in which this country should be included cannot, under present conditions, be considered a matter of practical politics, and as the clauses in the Treaties do not, in the view of Her Majesty's Government, prevent inter-colonial preferential arrangements, Her Majesty's Government consider that it would not be prudent to contemplate the denunciation of the Treaties at the present moment, bearing in mind that this could always be done on twelve months' notice, if circumstances should hereafter show it to be desirable.
53. In conclusion, it only remains for me to state that in the consideration of these questions the dis- cussions at the Conference have been of the greatest The dis- service to Her Majesty's Government. cussion throughout was maintained at a high level, and the speeches were eminently practical and to the point, and I have observed with pleasure the una- nimity which prevailed as to the importance and desirability in principle, not only of preserving but of strengthening the bonds of sentiment, sympathy, and mutual benefit which now unite the Empire. This was one of the main objects for which the Con- ference was summoned, and Her Majesty's Govern- ment are convinced that the result has been a substantial and permanent contribution to the establishment and maintenance of that mutual understanding and sympathy without which that Imperial union which we prize so highly can scarcely hope to be permanent.
I have, &c.
RIPON.
25?
87114.