BRITISH FOREIGN POLICY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1490, 12 July 1912, Page 5

BRITISH FOREIGN POLICY.

MINISTERIAL SPEECH.'

CORDIAL RELATIONS WITH QERMANY,

MEDITERRANEAN FLEET. By Teleeraph-Press Association—Copyright (Rec. July 11, 10.45 p.m.) London, July 11. Daring the discussion of the Foreign ■OHice vote in the House, of Commons yesterday, an important speech was delivered by Sir Edward' Grey, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

Referring to the reduction of the Mediterranean fleet, Sir Edward Grey pointed out that it was necessary to keep a sufficient margin of strength in Home waters to protect the United Kingdom. Unless this were done it would be impossible to maintain a strong foreign policy, and the nation would them fell into a position of inferiority.

The Japanese Alliance had been a great factor in the preservation of peace, and had prevented tho disturbances in China from resulting in international complications.

It was 7iot necessary to keep a. naval force in tho Mediterranean 7 which would bo able to cope with tho fleets of other Powers. Though there was no prospect of a, quarrel in, the Mediterranean, if Britain abandoned it altogether the diplomatic situation might become strained, and the country ought, therefore, to keep a sufficient force in the Mediterranean to enable it to be counted as a Power there. Continuing, Sir Edward Grey eaid that in view of the coming debates, ho would not say moro on the subject of foreign policy, which remained unchanged. The starting point of any now development was the maintenance of tho friendship with Russia and 'France. He welcomed tho meeting of tho Kaiser and tho Tsar. British rclntions with Germ any .were excellent. Tho two Governments wero perfectly frank with each other on all questions of mutual interest. When questions relating to their interests in Africa or in connection with the Bagdad rnilway enme up for discussion both wero convinced that thoir mntual interests would be easily reconciled.

The Government did not contemplate taking any measures for restoring order in Southern Persia, except by the encouragement of the Swedish officers now organising the Persian gendarmerie.

_ Mr. Bonar Law, Leader of the Opposition, said ho considered the Navy in the Mediterranean should he etrong enough to overcome any probable combination. This was essential to the exietenco of the Empire. lie did not desire anything but the best understanding with Germany. It was inconceivable that there could Iμ a war with Germany without i involving the whole of Europe. Germany's irado interests were against war, but nevertheless it was tho duty of the Government to ensure that a possible .war should be prepared ngainst. i