Evening star., 1926-11-23
IMPERIAL PARLEY
DEFINES AUTONOMY
Policy of Canada, ireland and
South Africa Brings
Clearer Understanding.
BY the Associated Press.

~ tno Associated Press.
LONDON, November 23.--The some
what independent policy followed by
Canada and Ireland in the matter Of
appointing representatives at Wash
sngton, coupled with the demand of
Gen. HertZog, premier OF South
Africa, for Independent national stat
tls for his country, has had the effect
of forcing the imperial conference to a
clearer definition Of the precise re-
lations between the component parts
OF the great empire. The fact that
all the premiers concerned in the con
ference have since expressed their
full approval Of what was done is
commented upon on all sides as a
measure Of the importance Of the re-
suits accomplished.
The autonomous equality Of all the
British dominions, including the Irish
Free State, but excluding India and
the crown colonies, Is laid down in the
report as follows:
"They are autonomous communities
within the British empire, equal in
status and in no way subordinate one
TO another In any aspect Of their do
mestic or external affairs, though
united by common allegiance to the
crown and freely associated as men,
bers of the British commonwealth
az nations"
Compared to League.
The position has been compared to
that of the League Of Nations, except
that each nation in this case has the
same sovereign. Perhaps the most
notable actual change is in the status
nf the governor generals of the domin-
ions; henceforth they will not, as
hitherto, represent the British govern
1nent, but will be merely the direct
representatives of the King, possessing
only the same limited power as the
sovereign in national affairs.
Any official relations between the
British and dominion governments
will be by direct correspondence.
Each dominion now has the acknowl-
edged right, as was demanded by Pre-
mier Hertzog, to initiate q foreign
policy and has an equal right with the
mother country to make treaties and
appoint diplomatic representatives
abroad. But stress still is laid upon
the advisability of consultation be-
tween the dominions themselves and
with the British government in these
matters.
AS the report says, the principles of
equality and In status do not neceS-
Sarily extend to function. This refers
especially to foreign affairs and queS-
lions of defense, concerning which,
r4he report asserts, the major share
of responsibility still rests and must
continue to rest with the British gov
ernment, and it is evidently expected
that in all such matters the dominion
governments shall look for guidance
from London.
1t is further recognized that each
dominion possesses the right to ad-
wise the home government on all QueS-
lions relating to it's own affairs. In
brief, the sovereign is the sole con-
meeting link binding the common
wealth together.
Foreign policy, instead Of being an
nounced by the home government to
the dominions as heretofore, will be
the subject Of consultation, as il
would be with q foreign power.
There are still numerous details,
especially relating to foreign policy.
defense and the question of merchant
shipping legislation by the British
Parliament. which are to be consid-
cred further by a special committee,
but it is explained that these will in
no way infringe the independent
rights Of the dominions, but will be
reservations Of practical necessity or
convenience.
Comments by Australian and South
African newspapers reaching London
attach Importance to the question
whether the so-called South African
separatists will respond to Premier
Hertzog's call and disavow their de-
mands for separation Of South Africa
from the empire.
The Pretoria News interprets
Premier Hertzog's satisfaction with
the prenNer's report as meaning that