BRITISH SESSION.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1365, 16 February 1912, Page 5

BRITISH SESSION.

KING OI'HNS PARLIAMENT.

ANGLO-GERMAN RELATIONS DISCUSSED.

IMPROVEMENT EXPECTED.

STATEMENT BY MR. ASQUITH

Jly TiildfraDh-Vroiw Aesoclallon-CnDirlclil (Hoc. February \\ 11.10 p.m.) London, I'ebniary to. The went her for the opening of l'">liunieiit yc-lerday wns dull but dry. Their .Majesties the King and IJiieen received an ovation whilst driving to Westminster in stale. There was a brilliant scene in the Chamber, though somewhat dimmed owing (o Hie Court mourning for the lale Duke of Fife. The Impresses' black drapiugs were only relieved by white plumes and veils. . SPEECH FROM THE THRONE. The Speech from tho Throne referred to Great Britain's fviendty relations with the foreign nations and her readiness, when a favourable opportunity offered, to join with oilier Towers in mediating with regard to tho Tripoli war. Ureal Britain was also considering with Russia the best, means of assisting Persia In re-establishing order and tranquility. Great Britain could not intervene in affairs, in China, but would adopt steps to protect British lifo and property. Sho recognised that the leaders on both sides had shown a. desire to safeguard'the lives and interests of foreigners.

The Speech dwelt upon the labour disputes, and firmly trusted that .1 reasonable spirit would prevail on lmth sides, thereby avoiding developments which might seriously affect tho trade of the country and tho welfare of the people.

Tho .Speech announced I hat Bills for the lwtter government of Ireland, Welsh Disestablishment, electoral, social, and industrial reforms, and also for the carrying ovit of the Imperial Conference's recommendation for tho amendment anil consolidation of the nationality law, had been prepared, and would be submitted for the consideration of Parliament.

Sir Harry Verney, Liberal member for North Buckinghamshire, moved, and Mr. W. C. G. Gladstone, Liberal member for Kilmarnock Burghs, seconded the Address-in-Rcply.

A vigorous duel between Mr. Bonar Law, Leader of the Opposition, and tho Prime Minister, Mr. Asquith, occupied the rest of the debate.

UNIONIST CRITICISM. Mr. Bonar Law complained that the Speech from the Throne was silent regarding Lord Haldane's mission to Germany. The country was being treated to amateur diplomacy. Sir Edward Grey should have undertaken the mission. Tho whole affair was mysterious, though not without the limelight. He asked Mr. Asquith for an explanation, and declared

that an understanding with Germany was only possible if (he British position was made clear and unmistakable. Proceeding, Mr. Honor Law paid a tribute to Mr. "Winston Churchill's Glasgow speech, and said if the policy enunciated in it was carried out in the samo spirit, (lie Government could rely upon Unionist support. He denounced the Government for their failure to redeem the pledge to reconstruct the House of Lords. If Mr. Lloyd-George's somewhat brutal threats aßainst the docto-s were carried out, the Insurance Act would be entirely changed. He did not believe the Bill would even come into operation. MR.' ASQUITH REPLIES. Mr. Asquith replied- Recalling Mr. Bonar Law's expression as to "limelight," he said that hitherto Sir Edward Grey had been charged with furlivmcss and subterranean diplomacy. It was a most lamentable fact that Anglo-German friendship and goodwill had been seriously overclouded during the last few months, when an atmosphere of suspicion had been created.. Legends, which at other times would be dismissed as incredible, were widely believed. Hβ had "been told that masses of people in Germany firmly believed that during tho late summer and autumn Great Britain meditated, and was even prepared, for an aggressive attack. He was almost ashamed to have to contradict such an extravagant fiction. The very fact that such rumours found credence, not indeed by the Government, but in the minds of many intelligent, fair-minded people in German}-, v.as a regrettable symptom. Both Governments were animated by a sincere desire to secure a better understanding.

LORD HALDANE'S VISIT. During January the Government had an indication that the visit of a Minister to Berlin would not bo unwelcome. As Lord Haldano had arranged to go to Germany in connection with London University matters, tho Government hastened the visit to enable him to take advantage of the suggestion for friendly and confidential communications with those controlling and guiding German policy. This involved a (Icparturo from conventional methods, but both sides felt it would bo easier if they commenced informal noncommittal conversations, rather than fulldress diplomatic negotiations. These expectntions had been completely realised. (Cheers.) Lord Haldane had had a frank and full conversatiou with exalted persons in Germany. There had been a perfect freedom nt statement and frankness of explanation over a wide area. The very fact that such an interchange of views had taken place ought to dispel the suspicion that the Government contemplated siggressivc designs. A BETTER UNDERSTANDING. He earnestly hoped, however, and he might further say that he genuinely believed, that the conversation might have more than this negative result; bnt he could not make a prediction at this stage, or enter into matters of detail. Nevertheless, Lord Haldane's visit had provided unmistakable evidence of the sincere desire of both sides for the establishment of Anglo-German relations on a better footing, without either sacrificing or impairing the special relationship wherein each nation stood to tho other. (Cheers.) Both Governments wore nowengaged in a careful survey of the practical possibilities. He heartily endorsed Mr. Honar Law's remarks thai in matters of that kind they must exercise patience. ASIATIC AFFAIRS. Turning to Asiatic affairs, Mr. Asquith justified the change of capital of Inditi from Calcuttn to Delhi. There was good reason, he declared, to hope that a stable Government would be created in Persia, from which country the Russian troops were being withdrawn. In concluding. Mr. AsqiiilU angrily repudiated Mr. Bonar Law's insinuation iit Hie Albert Hull Hint the Government was ensiling offices wilh Iho intention of filling Iheni wilh I heir own political partisan?, "lie challenged Mr. Homiv Law In prosecute his charge in Ihe House of Commons.