The Attempts to Reform the System of Imperial Conferences in the Years 1907–1911

Abstract

This contribution is focused on the analysis of attempts to reform the system of Imperial Conferences in the years 1907–1911. These efforts were connected with the members of the Round Table Movement, especially Alfred Milner and Leopold Amery, and the New Zealand’s Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward.

In the years 1910–1911 the representatives of the Colonial Office prepared some memoranda, dealing with the reform counterproposals. The British and Dominion participants of the Imperial Conference of 1911 rejected the reform proposals.

It meant a confirmation of the status quo and brought about disappointment among supporters of the idea of a closer imperial union.

Keywords

• Imperial Conferences
• Imperial Union
• Round Table Movement
• Inter‑Imperial Relations
• British Empire
• Imperial Conference of 1911