§ 8. Mr. GINNELLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the growing irritation in Canada and Australia at being still called Dependencies, after their sacrifices defending this country, and of the determination of both countries to be represented at the Peace Conference to follow the War; whether he is aware of the view frankly expressed in Canada that Canadian assistance might have been as correctly given to France as to Britain, in which case the status of Canada at the Conference would be unquestionable and automatic; and whether he can give those two great young nations an assurance that their status at the Peace Conference to follow the War will be admitted, or at least not opposed, by this country?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Steel Maitland)I have no reason to believe that the self-governing Dominions are dissatisfied with the assurances already given to them in regard to the terms of peace.
§ Mr. GINNELLWill the hon. Gentleman inform the House what the assurances are?
§ Mr. STEEL-MAITLANDIt has been said again and again that they will be fully consulted before the terms of peace are arrived at.
§ Mr. LYNCHMight I ask the hon. Gentleman to take note that it is inadvisable to make use of the word "Dependency" in reference to a State like Australia?