We are glad to note that at the end of
his speech Mr. Lyttelton drew special attention to a point which has been of late urged in these columns—namely, that if we are to have, as we ought to have, a comprehensive and properly co- ordinated system of Naval Defence for the whole Empire, we cannot leave out India and the Crown Colonies. Though they are not to be exploited for the Mother Country or even for the Empire as a whole, they ought to take, and we believe will be perfectly willing to take, their fair share in a duty which con- cerns them so nearly. As Mr. Lyttelton put it very happily, "It would be unfair if, while the Dominions expended large sums on Naval and Military Defence, the Crown Colonies and India, equally interested, did not make contribution." The truth is, the whole question of Imperial Defence ought to be carefully studied at the Imperial Conference. But it cannot be so studied unless the Government explain, needless to say in camera, the general principles of our foreign policy. Happily there is no sign that the Government are really reluctant to do so. The Colonial Secretary, Mr. Harcourt, though he would not bind himself as to the manner, an- nounced that the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary were not only willing but anxious to take the Colonial Premiers into their fullest confidence, even in the most secret matters of defence and foreign policy.
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