BRITISH POLITICS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9087, 4 March 1908, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

NAVAL AND MILITARY * DEFENCE. A KEEN DEBATE. Press Association —Copyright. Received March 3, 9.58 p.m. London, March 8. In the House of Commons,' Mr J. A. Murray Macdonald (member for Falkirk Burghs) moved that owing to the continued British friendly relations with foreign Powers, further reduction was possible in the Army and Navy, and especially urged that it was unnecessary to adhere to the two-power standard with a margin. Mr Asquith moved an amendment deleting the declaration referring to further reductions, and substituting words inviting the House to support the Government in such naval and military expenditure as is consistent with the adequate defence of His Majesty’s Dominions. He declared that the Government had already made very large reductions, which indicated further economies in the defensive expenditure. He admitted that the reductions were less large than he had hoped. Some combinations of the Powers which used to agitate the minds of statemen had now become in the highest degree improbable. Even in regard to Germany an advance had been made towards a complete mutual understanding. It was unnecessary to view with suspicion and apprehension any naval expansion in Germany, which was simply corresponding to the economic and defensive needs of extending commerce. Britain wished to prevent a new spurt in shipbuilding among the Powers. Her present position was one of unassailable supremacy. She must maintain the standard of her complete and absolute command of the sea against any reasonably possible combination of Powers. Mr Asquith added that Mr Haldane had already reduced the Army by 31,700 men without impairing its efficiency. The Right Hon. E. Robertson (Secretary to the Admiralty) declared that the Admiralty believed the provision made in this year’s estimates fully maintained the two-. Power standard. Mr Balfour said that the Unionists would vote against the original resolution, but he suggested the insertion in Mr Asquith’s amendment of words making it clear that the twoPower standard would be continued. Mr Haldane pronounced Mr Balfour’s suggestion irrelevant, and roTused to accept it. Nobody, he said, disputed the two-Powor standard. Indeed, Mr Asquith expressly affirmed it. Referring to the Army, Mr Haldane said it was impossible to lay down any fixed or rigid standard of strength. The Government must be the judge of the nation’s needs. Mr Macdonald’s motion was rejected by 820 to 73. When Mr Balfour rose to move his amendment he was met with loud Ministerial cries of “Object,” the Unionists replying with derisive shouts. There was much excitement, and ultimately the debate was adjourned. The Prince and Princess of Wales heard the debate.

The Times says Mr Balfour merely sought to remove any possible ambiguity in Mr Asquith’s statement. If there were no ambiguity?] the amendment was harmless; if the ambiguity was intentional, the amendment was absolutely necessary. THE LICENSING BILL. The London Central Board, repre senting 13,000 license holders, has decided to open a campaign against the Licensing Bill with a mass meeting in the Queen’s Hall on the 10th inst.