Comment. 225 



"The Canadian Commission to the North American Confer- 

 ence on the Conservation of the Natural Resources of this Conti- 

 nent held last month in Washington have the honor to respect- 

 fully invite your consideration of the enclosed 'Declaration of 

 Principles.' 



"This Declaration was drawn up by the representatives and 

 unanimously adopted after careful consideration and thought. 

 It is not in any sense a treaty between the governments or coun- 

 tries taking part in the Conference. It does not in any way bind 

 those countries to particular action. It lays down principles on 

 which authorities having control over natural resources may act 

 in their future treatment of their resources, either by legislation 

 or by grants. While the Federal Government of Canada took 

 part in this Conference there is no thought or idea of any in- 

 fringement or interference with the rights of the Provinces 

 within the Dominion. The Declaration fully recognizes pro- 

 vincial, state and national authorities. It is hoped, however, 

 that the principles enunciated will commend themselves to all 

 authorities in relation to the future disposal and use of the 

 natural resources of the continent." 



