ENGLAND AND GERMANY.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1652, 20 January 1913, Page 8

ENGLAND AND GERMANY.

"A GRATIFYING INTIMACY."

Following the reference by the Imperial Chancellor in the Reichstag on December 2, to tlio European situation, an important speech was mado by tho Foreign Secretary in reply to n charge, mado by the Socialist, Herr Ledebour, that tho Government had fomented a quarrel with Great Britain. "These utterances afford me a welcome opportunity," said the Foreign Secretary (as reported by tho "Daily Telegraph" Berlin correspondent),, "of declaring that during the wholo of tho recent crisis out relationships, to England in particular, havo been' especially confidential. (Loud cries of "Hoar, hear" and -"Bravo!'.') A frank and absolutely trustful exchange of views between London and ourselves during all phases . of this crisis has not only evoked a gratifying intimacy in our relationships, but has rendered good service to tho understanding of all tho Powers. I should liko to express definite confidence that it will continue to do this." (Loud applause, and Socialist shouts of "What about naval armaments?") Dr. Spahn, tho Centre leader, who was the next speaker, said there could bo no better news than that England and lieiniany were co-oporating to promote peaco in the Balkans. Both Secretary, of State and their. Ambassador in London had expressed themselves in this senso, and that filled thom with hopo and delight. Herr Bassermann (National Liberal) said his party, too, ire a desirous of good relations to England, and thankfully recognised what tho two Ambassadors had done in this respect. There should, however, bo no precipitation. A quiet, waiting policy was moro in place. An agreement as to armamonts would only lead to a fresh and embittered quarrel as to which of tho two States had kept to its terms.

Much space was devoted by the newspapers to comments on the German Imperial Chancellor's speech in the Reichstag, and tho feeling was generally expressed that tho form, and to a large extent, tho substance, of Dr. von BethmannHollweg's declaration leavo a favourable impression behind and display a pleasing moderation. Somo exception, however, was taken to tho passago in tho Chancellor's speech in which ho clearly indicated that Germany was prepared to throw her sword into tho balance should AustriaHungary 1)0 threatened by a third Power, and the newspapors asserted that it was unnecessary and superfluous to striko a warliko chord during the present difficult European situation.