BRITAIN AND GERMANY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 44, 16 February 1912, Page 3

BRITAIN AND GERMANY.

VERBAL DUEL IN THE HOUSE OF

COAIAIONS

PRIME MINISTER’S IMPORTANT

SPEECH

CORDIAL RELATIONS LIKELY

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association.)

London, February 15

In the House of Commons, Sir H. Verney moved and Air Gladstone seconded the Address-in-Reply. A vigorous duel between Air Bonar Law (leader of the Unionists) and Air Asquith (Prime Minister) occupied the rest of the debate.

Air Bonar Law complained that the Speech from the Throno was silent regarding Lord Haldane’s mission to Germany. The country had sent an amateur in diplomacy, and Sir Edward Grey should have undertaken the mission. The whole affair was mysterious, though not without limelight. He asked Air Asquith for an explanation, and declared that an understanding with Germany was only possible if the British position was made clear and unmistakable.

He paid a tribute to Air Winston Churchill’s Glasgow speech, and said if ho policy was carried out in the same spirit the Government could rely upon Unionist support. He denounced the Government’s failure to redeem its pledge to reconstruct the House of Lords;-and said that if Air LloydGeorgc’s somewhat brutal threats against the doctors were carried out the Insurance Act would be entirely changed. He did not believe the Bill would ever come into operation. Air Asquith, recalling Air Bonar Law’s expression, “lime-light,” said that hitherto Sir E. Gray had been charged with furtiveness and substerranean diplomacy. It was a most lamentable fact that traditional Ang-lo-Germah friendship and good will wore' seriolisly overclouded during the last few months, when an atmosphere of suspicion was created. Legends which at other times would be dismissed as incredible were widely believed.

He had been told that the masses of the people of Germany firmly believed that during the summer and autumn Britain meditated and was oven prepared for an aggressive attack. Ho was almost ashamed to have to contradict so extravagant a fiction. The very fact that such rumours had found credence, not indeed by the Government, but in the minds of many intelligent and fairminded people in Germany was a regrettable symptom. Both governments were animated by a similar desire to secure a better understanding. During January, the Government had an indication that the visit of a Alinister to Berlin would not ; be 1 unwelcome. As Lord Haldane had arranged to go to Germany 7 in connection with the London University, the Government hastened the visit to enable him to take advantage of the suggestion of friendly and confidential communications with those controlling and guiding German policy. This involved the departure from conventional methods, but both sides felt it would bo easier if they commenced informal and non-commit-tal conversations rather than full-dress diplomatic negotiations. Those expectations, said the Premier, had been completely realised. (Cheers.) Lord Haldane had a frank and full conversation with exalted persons in Germany. There was perfect freedom of statement and frankness of explanation over a wide area. The very fact of such an interchange of views ought to dispel the suspicion that the Government contemplated aggressive designs. He earnestly hoped, however, and might further say he genuinely believed, the conversation might have more than this negative result, but could not make a prediction at this stage or enter into matters of detail. Nevertheless Lord Haldane’s visit was unmistakable evidence of a sincere desire on botli sides for the establishment of a bettor Anglo-German footing, without either sacrificing or impairing the special relationship wherein each stood to the other. (Cheers.) Both Governments wore now engaged in a careful survey of practical possibilities. The Prime Alinister heartily endorsed Air Bonar Law’s remarks that in matters of that kind he 'must exercise patience. LORD HALDANE’S VISIT. (Received 16, 8.5 a.m.) London, February 15. The “Daily Mail” states that the first suggestion of Lord Haldane’s visit was made to the Kaiser through Herr Baffin, who communicated with Sir Ernest Cassel. GERMANY SYMPATHETIC. (Received 16, 9.20 a.m.) London, February 15. Air Asquith’s speech is being sympathetically received in Germany. German opinion shares with Air Asquith’s satisfaction over Lord Haldane’s exchange of views.