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questions on naval and military defence affecting oversea Dominions are under discussion; (e) that the High Commissioners should be invited to consult with the Foreign Minister on matters in which the oversea Dominions are interested, and inform their respective Governments; (f) that the High Commissioners should be the sole channel of communication with Imperial and Dominion Governments, Governors- General and Governors on all occasions being given identical and simultaneous information.-ISLINGTON.

Appendix VIII.

SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION PROPOSED BY THE UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Sir,

No. 1.

Colonial Office to the Secretary, Committee of Imperial Defence.

Downing Street, January 31, 1911.

WITH reference to previous correspondence with regard to the Imperial Conference of 1911, I am directed by Mr. Secretary Harcourt to transmit to you, for the consideration of the Sub-Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence, an extract from a telegram from the Governor-General of the Union of South Africa, proposing certain questions relating to defence for discussion at the Imperial Conference.

I am, &c.

H. W. JUST.

!

Enclosure.

Extract from a Telegram from the Governor-General of the Union of South Africa to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

(Received, Colonial Office, 8 p.m., 20th January, 1911.)

3. That whatever votes in favour of monetary contributions towards Imperial naval defence are made by the overseas Dominions, any naval service rendered or provision for local coast defences made by such Dominions, with approval of the Admiralty, be borne on such votes.

4. That the desirability be considered of replacing the system of trade preferences at present granted by the overseas Dominions to Great Britain by a system of contributions in money or services to Imperial naval and local defence.

✡

No. 2.

Sir,

Colonial Office to the Secretary, Committee of Imperial Defence.

Downing Street, February 10, 1911. IN continuation of the letter from this Office of the 31st January, I am directed by Mr. Secretary Harcourt to transmit to you, to be laid before the Committee of Imperial Defence, copy of a telegram from the Governor-General of the Union of South Africa, on the subject of the resolutious proposed by his Government for discussion at the Imperial Conference.

I am,

&c.

H. W. JUST.

[276]

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