§ 15. Mr. PONSONBYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements are now in operation with each of the Dominions for keeping the Dominions Governments informed with regard to foreign affairs; what officers have been appointed for this purpose either by His Majesty's Government or the Dominions Governments; and whether any further developments in a scheme of Empire co-ordination in respect of foreign policy is in contemplation?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Amery)I have been asked to reply. Apart from the information which certain of His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions derive from individual Dominion representatives appointed at foreign capitals, 389 all His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions are kept fully supplied with all important information on foreign affairs at the disposal of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. This information is conveyed to them through the usual official channels. In addition, His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth of Australia have appointed a liaison officer in London who is in close touch with the Foreign Office; and the services of the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in Canada, the Imperial Secretary in South Africa, and the Foreign Office official seconded for work in the Prime Minister's Department in New Zealand are available for the supply of information and for the purpose of facilitating consultation and discussion. With regard to the last part of the question, the present policy, which was laid down by the Imperial Conference of 1926, is fully set out in the Report of the Inter-Imperial Relations Committee of that Conference; and I think I may add that constant study is given by all His Majesty's Governments to the question of the methods by which that policy can best be carried out.
§ Sir WILFRID SUGDENDo we understand that if the Canadian Ambassador at Washington desires to negotiate a commercial treaty, our Foreign Office, and the right hon. Gentleman's Department as well, are consulted before a treaty between Canada and the United States on commercial business is ratified?
§ Mr. AMERYI think the general position under the agreement arrived at in 1926 is that, while we deal with affairs which concern ourselves, we do not take action which may affect other members of the Commonwealth without consulting them.