Neval Armaments.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 45, 23 February 1914, Page 5

Neval Armaments.

BRITAIN AND GERMANY. A BEAUTIFUL DREAM. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright} [United Press Association.] Berlin, February 21. ; Speaking in the Reichstag during j the naval estimates debate, Herr Bas- j sennan declared that the idea was j growing in England that Germany’s i fleet was not aggressive, and rela- | tions were therefore improving, hut | an alliance between the two nations : must remain a beautiful dream. Admiral von Tirpitz, Naval Minister, declared- “Everything shows ,ve must have stronger naval representation abroad. Our aim during the next few years must be to frame a work and pass the required naval law, to attain trie necessary strength for foreign service.” He welcomed Herr Basserman’s suggestion that the fleet should he 1 more strongly represented abroad, j which, besides being political and economic, was also a military necessity. IN THE MEDITERRANEAN. BRITISH BATTLE SQUADRON. London, February 21. The Admiralty is stationing three Admirals in the Mediterranean and' gradually creating a battle squadron there. GUARDING THE PACIFIC. NO DISAGREEMENT EXISTS. [Per Press Association.] Wellington, February 21. In reference to The Times’ comments on the naval question cabled last night, Mr James Allen, in an interview with a Post .-eporver, said : “There is no disagreement between the New Zealand Government and the Admiralty. We are working in perfect harmony. When we came to a conclusion in our arrangements with the Admiralty they were extremely good, assisting us in every way. There are some details about handing over the Philomel, which have to he arranged, hut we expect to have her handed over very soon. It is extremely wrong of anybody to suggest that we are disagreeing on thequestion. We have had various opinions, but we have now come to a' conclusion. We are all agreed and are working together in harmony, and 1 am quite sure we shall continue in do so.”