GREAT BRITAIN AND GERMANY.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1679, 20 February 1913, Page 5

GREAT BRITAIN AND GERMANY.

J—4 EXCHANGE OF IDEAS. IMPORTANT STATEMENTS IN REICHSTAG. \ THE BATTLESHIP RATIO. PROBLEM MUST BE TREATED ON BUSINESS LINES.' By Teloanuih—Prem Ajsoclatlon—OopyrirtH (Reo. February 19, 11.5 p.m.) I • . Berlin, February 19. The official minutes of the Reichstag show that Herr Von Jagow's stand, and intimate exchange of ideas with the Bfitish Government, had an important influence in modifying the difficulties which had arisen during; the recent months. It now seems that they not; only point 1 to a sentimental oontact, but also to'identical and. material interests. ■ ■ \ Herr Von, Jagow said he was not a prophet, but he hoped that Germany wc-uld continue working in this.direction. It was possible that Germany; might reap a harvest in co-operation wjth Britain upon a politically fruitful basis of common interests. 1 ' ■ Admiral Vori Tirpitz denied that he had an aversion to England. He would be the first; to welcome an understanding. Mr. Churchill's Tatio of 1.6 to 1 would l be acceptable to Germany as regards battleships. This would make it diffi- ■ cult to attack Germany. The ratio would "be maintained /by tho naval law. More, Germany did not need. They were 'not striving, for a fleet . equalling Britain's. He knew nothing about Britain's'willingness to enter into negotiations.. If. they reached a practicable agreement then tho Naval Act would have done its work, ftut it a formal agreement with guarantees for its accomplishment was necessary, there would •be difficulty. The problem must'be treated on business lines without one party rushing inb the other's arms. "GERMANY'S NOBLE PART." london, February 19. The "Daily Ch.'onicle" applauds Germany's noble part in preventing a European outburst- in the Balkans. ' The same pacific spirit which animates the rulers towards .England welcomes Herr Von Jagow's declaration of common interests. CHi NNEL TUNNEL.' . ■ . j London,: February 19. ■ Sir A. Conan Doyle, in the "Fortnightly Review," advocates the building of tho channel turnel, as an essential to Britain's safety. Troops could/avoid the dangers of transport by sea, and the tunnel would enable Britain to secure food supplies ; in • war.' time from the, Medit<r:E'inean. • .M