Resolutions VII, IX, and XXII of the Imperial War Conference, April 1917

VII.  REPRESENTATION OF INDIA AT FUTURE IMPERIAL CONFERENCES

(Eighth Day; Friday, April 13th.)

        That the Imperial War Conference desires to place on record its view that the Resolution of the Imperial Conference of 20th April 1907 should -be modified to permit of India being fully represented at all future Imperial Conferences, and that the necessary steps should be taken to secure the. assent of the various Governments in order that the next Imperial Conference may be summoned and constituted accordingly.

IX.  CONSTITUTION OF THE EMPIRE

(Ninth Day; Monday, April 16th.)

        The Imperial War Conference are of opinion that the readjustment of the constitutional relations of the component parts of the Empire is too important and intricate a subject to be dealt with during the War, and that it should form the subject of a special Imperial Conference to be summoned as soon as possible after the cessation of hostilities.

        They deem it their duty, however, to place on record their view that any such readjustment, while thoroughly preserving all existing powers of self-government and complete control of domestic affairs, should be based upon a full recognition of the Dominions as autonomous nations of an Imperial Commonwealth, and of India as an important portion of the same, should recognize the right of the Dominions and India to an adequate voice in foreign policy and in foreign relations, and should provide effective arrangements for continuous consultation in all important matters of common Imperial concern, and for such necessary concerted action, founded on consultation, as the several Governments may determine.

XXII.  RECIPROCITY OF TREATMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND THE SELF-GOVERNING DOMINIONS

(Fifteenth day; Friday, April 27th.)

        That the Imperial War Conference, having examined the Memorandum on the position of Indians in the Self-governing Dominions presented by the Indian represent4tives to the Conference, accepts the principle of reciprocity of treatment between India and the Dominions and recommends the Memorandum to the favourable consideration of the Governments concerned.

From: A. Berriedale Keith, ed. Speeches and Documents on Indian Policy, 1750-1921. Vol. III. London: Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press, 1922, 132-133.