IN THE CAUSE OF PEACE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 969, 21 March 1911, Page 3

IN THE CAUSE OF PEACE.

arbitration proposals. Washington, March 17. Great Britain’s reception of President Taft’s arbitration proposals is exciting interest in the United States. The general opinion seems favourable, though the German section of the community does not welcome the project. London, March iS. Sir Edward Grey, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, presided at the International Arbitration League dinner yesterday. In the course of a speech Sir Edward acknowledged the cordial sincerity underlying Mr Balfour’s helpful words in the House on Thursday, and recognised that the Unionists had initiated Arbitration treaties. He explained that he did not intend to convey the idea that a general arbitration treaty between two great nations was tantamount to a defensive alliance ; though if one became the object of an attack under certain circumstances he should think that there would be a strong sympathy between the two Powers. That matter, however, was dependent on public opinion ; but the introduction of such a condition into a treaty might impair its chances in Britain and elsewhere and lead others to suppose the treaty was aimed at them. This would completely spoil its possible effect in mitigating expenditure on armaments. Mr J. Ramsay MacDonald, chairman of the Parliamentary Labour party, rejoiced at the arbitration aspirations, but declared it would do more harm than good if the opinion got abroad that there was going to be an Anglo-Saxon alliance imposing its will on the whole world The Free Churches have arranged for special references to the Taft-Grey arbitration overtures in to-morrow’s sermons.

Sir Kdward Grey, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in the House yesterday informed Lord Wiuterton (Unionist) that Japan is aware of Great Britain’s willingness to enter into a scheme following President Taft’s suggestion for arbitration.