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COLONIAL CONFERENCES.

Minutes on draft despatch to Self-Governing Colonies as to a proposed Permanent Commission in

with

connexion

periodical Colonial Conferences.

the

MINUTES.

(10975/05 General.)

(MR. Cox.)

Mr. Antrobus has asked me to minute before him as this proposal mainly concerns Colonies under responsible government.

It is difficult to criticise, or even to appreci- ate, the bearing of so momentous a step in the short time available, as I understand that on all points of principle this despatch has been approved by the Cabinet, and that it is consid- ered desirable to send it out immediately for the consideration of Colonial Ministers.

K

It is, therefore, not for me to discuss the policy of this new departure, but to confine myself to questions of the working of the new system and its practical results. It is as well that we should be prepared to questions as to details which the Colonies will certainly put to us, though these are ap- parently to be discussed at the next confer-

ence.

answer

The Conference or, as it is now to be called, The Imperial Council," will not be materially altered from its present status.

The difficulty arises as to detail when one comes to the permanent Commission :

(1) Who is to appoint its members, and who is to remove them?

(2) The expenses would be paid out of

a Parliamentary vote.

Therefore, the

Commission will be subject to Parliament- We shall find Colonial ary criticism. members and their Governments resent this.

(3) Will the members be subject to the provision of the Official Secrets Act?

(4) It will have power to call on every Government Department to produce con- fidential papers and minutes. Is this desirable?

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PUBLIC RECORD

OFFICE

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Reference :-

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