South Africa began by refusing the invitation to a meeting,
but ultimately, as the result of Mr. Thomas's -visit, accepted it. Finally the correspondence shows chat by October the Labour Government were unable to find a convenient date for a meeting and left the whole subject over for the Unionist Government. Such corre- 3pondences are of m-ueh greater value than they seem to be at first sight. "Gradual evolution" carries the day. Imperial Federation is not in sight and is barely hinted at. Constant consultation is, we believe, the solution. It has often been said that Dominion Prime Ministers are too jealous of their High Commissioners • to allow them enough power to make consultation very fruitful. Perhaps Australia has found the master-key • i a Foreign Office branches- and- a Permanent Secretariat. All the information of the Foreign Office is, of course, at the disposal of Dominion. representatives. All British parties are agreed that the Dominions- are not children who may ask impertinent questions, but sister States to Great Britain with a full right to knowledge.
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