GOVERNMENT AND DOMINIONS PRIME MINISTERS (CONVERSATIONS). (Hansard, 8 May 1935)

§ Mr. AMERY
(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to make a statement as to the course of the discussions between His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and the Dominion Prime Ministers.

§ The PRIME MINISTER
The course of the discussions has been the normal imparting of information on subjects especially regarding the international situation with the visiting Dominion Prime Ministers. It is most regrettable that unauthorised and mischievous statements on matters of such importance to Imperial confidence and good understanding should be made the subject of reports so completely lacking in foundation as some which have appeared this morning. There is no truth whatever in the statements that any change in the existing position as regards Dominion responsibility and obligation for foreign policy has been discussed or is contemplated. The subject has not been mentioned at any of our meetings. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom stands firmly by the principles governing the system of consultation in relation to treaty negotiations and conduct of foreign affairs generally which has been agreed at successive Imperial Conferences. These principles were summarised fully in the report of the proceedings of the Imperial Conference of 1930. They are well recognised and are in unquestioned operation.

§ Mr. AMERY
Would it be possible for the Prime Minister to read to us a summarised statement of the principles of 1930, as they may not be within the recollection of many Members of the House?

§ The PRIME MINISTER
Yes. I have armed myself with the apposite extracts. It is of the utmost importance, 966 especially to public opinion in the Dominions, that there should be no mistake whatever about the system in practice, which has not been questioned nor even raised at these conversations.