PEACE CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2163, 20 August 1907, Page 2

PEACE CONFERENCE.

United Press Association —Copyright lieeoivod August 19, 9.21 p.m. THE HAGUE, August 19. Sir Edward Fry announced that Britain agreed to adhere to the declarations adopted in 1899, prohibiting the use of bullets which expand or easily flatten in the human body ; also the employment of projectiles diffusing asphyxiating or deleterious gases. PARIS, August 19. The French press regard tho adoption of Sir Edward Fry’s limitation of armament resolution merely a piece of international politeness. BERLIN, August 19. Tho German press laugh at tho proposal.

Received August 19, 10.32 p.m. THE HAGUE, August 19. Sir Edward Fry stated that the military expenditure of Europe, tho United States and Japan had increased G 9 millions since 1898. Britain recognised that limitation of military charges was only practicable by means of the goodwill and free-will of each Government. Ho hoped the Conference would try to bring about a golden age of universal peace.. (Cheers.) Mr. Choate and M. Bourgeois warmly supported Sir Edward and M. Nellidoff applauded the English initiative though tho qucsticfi was no more ripe than in 1899. Sterile discussions would only accentuato differences of opinion. Tho British resolution best corresponds with the present state of the question, and with interest all had seen it directed to a channel where unity and power could alone constitute a guarantee of further progress. LONDON, August 19. Tho Times says expressions of platonic sympathy are all very well, but will the Powers make a practical response to Britain’s offer to build two instead of three Dreadnoughts this year if the Powers come to an understanding.