The memorandum goes on to state that permanent repre- sentation
of the Colonial Governments in Loudon, by High Commissioners or other specially appointed delegates, appears essential to secure the continuity at present lacking. There is also practical unanimity as to the establishment of a permanent secretariat and inquiry branch. Much of the work of this intelligence department would be done gratuitously, but the signatories are inclined to believe that in particular cases public funds might be profitably employed.' It is noted, in conclusion, that these suggestions are virtually endorsed by resolutions of the Governments of Australia and New Zealand. The establishment of a system of regular consultation between the partners of the Empire is not merely desirable. Recent events in Newfoundland and the New Hebrides prove it to be indispensable to Imperial harmony, in spite of Mr. Balfour's strange declaration in the debate on the Address that any form of Imperial Council was impossible for generations, if ever, and was therefore not worth discuseing,—a statement which the Times very properly condemns as unnecessary, and even harmful.
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