IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2355, 23 November 1908, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

THE GOVERNMENT’S FOREIGN POLICY. .

SPEECH BY SIR EDWARD GREY

LONDON, Nov. 20

Mr. Balfour, in an address to 4500 people at Cardiff, in connection with the annual conference of the National Union Conservative Association, declared that while'the Government continued the traditional policy of 'Lord Lansdowne and Lord Salisbury in foreign affairs, the Unionists would do nothing to weaken Britain’s voice in the Councils of Europe. Sir Edward Grey, Minister of Foreign Affairs, speaking at Scarborough, acknowledged the Opposition leader’s generous support of the Government’s foreign policy. “This,” he said, “enabled us to create a broad impression of stability and solidity which is very valuable.”

He noted that the difference between Germany and a ranee regarding the trivial incident in Morocco had been settled in a way consistent with the dignity of both. Referring to the crisis in Germany, he noted the fact that although speakers in the Reichstag spoke their minds with exceeding freedom, none indicated their hostility towards Britain or any other country. Until recently the Powers had despaired of Turkey, yet the most wonderful and beneficent change seen in history had now occurred there. Good forces lying latent had suddenly gained the upper hand. He noted that the reformers had an army at their back.

Sir Edward Grey continued : “Britain must have and maintain a navy able to overcome any probable combination able to be brought against her. There is no half-way house between complete safety and absolute ruin.” Referring to the Near East, Sir Edward Grey trusted that a conference of the Powers would dispose of the difficulties there, but he said that the Government could not force a-con-ference and have satisfactory results. Ho admitted that the progress had been slow. Now it was desirable that time should not be wasted. Some progress bad been made this week, because Turkey had been 'assured of sympathy and fair play in the Councils of Europe. Further difficulties remained to be overcome, but the winter, which was unfavorable to action in the Balkans, was favorable to the Councils. THE LICENSING BILL. THIRD READING CARRIED BY COMMONS. SENT TO THE LORDS. United Press (Association, Copyright. (Received Nov. 22, 4 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 21. In the House of Commons, Mr. Asquith strongly defended the Licensing Bill, declaring that it represented the good sense and considered judgment of the House. After a vigorous reply for the Opposition, the third reading was carried by 350 to 113. The measure was then sent to the House oi Lords and formally read a first time. THE CHRISTMAS RECESS. A SHORT HOLIDAY.

United Press Association. Copyricht (Received Nov. 22, 4 p.m.)

LONDON, Nov. 21. Tlie Christmas recess of Parliament will be short, owing to the desire of Government to push on the Education Bill. BRITAIN’S FINANCE. EXIGENCIES OF SITUATION TENDING TOWARDS TARIFF REFORM. United Press Association. Copyrigiji (Received Not. 22, 4.25 p.m., LONDON, Nov. 21. Lord Lansdowne, speaking -at Manchester, commenting on the Government’s finance, declared that the country is confronted with .a position of the utmost gravity, whence it will not be extricated without a groat national effort. “The exigencies of the financial situation,” said, ar< driving us to tariff reform, which will contribute to the greater solidarity ol the Empire.”