Great Britain

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 44, 26 May 1916, Page 5

Great Britain

PEACE TALK. I DISCUSSION IN THE COMMONS. STATEMENT BY SIR E. GREY. ! NO PROSPECT OF DURABLE PEACE AT PRESENT. i . [UNITED PliEhS ASBO{IIAT)' X ~.) London May 24. In the House of Commons there was a remarkable debate upon the credit vote of three hundred millions. Mr Ponsonby declared that the House was entitled to discuss the diplomatic situation, and to consider whether the differences between the Allies arid the enemy were sufficiently great and unbridgeable to justify the continuance of the gigantic sacrifice. A deadlock had existed for some time, and he doubted whether the valor ot the soldiers would prove the deciding factor. The side inventing the most diabolical machine was most likely to win, in his opinion, in modern warfare. He hoped that statesmen would not imperil the future through diplomatic indecision and ineptitude. He believed hostilities would continue for ever ii they waited for Sir Edward Grey and Heir von Bethmann-Hollweg to agree as to which side was blameworthy. The people ought to know if the war would continue until the fall of Constantinople or until some compact with the 'Allies was fulfilled. He urged immedi ate negotiations for the termination of hostilities. Moral force ought to overcome'physical violence, bringing the nations through sanity to peace. Mr Ramsay MacDonald supported Mr Ponsonby. Our duty, he said, yvat to make clear to our enemies our intentions. Sir E. Grey said he was not prepared to make a comprehensive reply, but if he believed that the German Go veniment and nation had arrived at .

stage when the Allies could bring peace nearer by speeches, he would reply. did not believe, however, that that jtime had come yet. It was impossible Jto state terms of peace or terms that were acceptable to the Allies, until he had consulted the Allies. A conference of the nations was not accepted when war was threatened, because no goodwill existed. He wished AjustroGermany had published the reports of the Balkans conference, as they would show Britain's part,, which was one of entire good faith throughout. A prewar conference should have been accepted with confidence and goodwill. He could not admit that Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg's interviews show'ed a disposition to accept peace. li Germany, was prepared to offer terms, why didn't she say so? Did etiquette stand in the way ? Herr von BethmannHollweg's definition of Britain's attitude over the Bosnian difficulty was a ! first-class lie. It was impossible to rea'son while the German people were fed up with lies. Herr Hollweg said those responsible for a continuance of the war would be compelled to accept Germany's terms. that was a childish statement. Nations refusing to accept 'peace terms regardless of their own interests could not be regarded as responsible for the continuance of the I war. The Allies were unbeaten, and they were not going to be beaten. If any ally possessed a special right to speak for peace it was France, whereon the fury of the Germans had been concentrated for weeks at Verdun. The I French armies' prowess was saving France and her allies. It was impos jsible at this moment for Britain to do anything except'to concentrate- her 'energies and give the fullest support jto the Allies. What would future generations say if they let escape this occasion for establishing a durable 'peace based on international rightland a'peace that would save the world from a similar catastrophe in the fu'ture They had not yet reached a I stage giving a prospect of making durjable peace a reality.

PRESIDENT WILSON'S OPINION. NEGOTIATIONS AT PRESENT IMPOSSIBLE. (Received 11.40 a.m.) Washington, May 25. President Wildon has expressed the opinion that intervention in the war by Neutrals could rest only on a mutual understanding by the belligerents that the peace terras would conserve the interests of all, as well as the world at large. The United States was, at present, however, unable to do anything in the direction of peace. THE WHITSUNTIDE RECESS. (Received 9.40 a.m.) London, May 25. Mr Asquith announced that the House of Commons would adjourn on Thursday for the Whitsuntide recess. FOREICN EXCHANGE. (Received 9.40 a.m.) London, May 25. Mr McKenna will give notice of an additional income tax of two shillings in the £ without exception or abatement, on incomes from stocks, shares, and securities, which the Treasury is willing to purchase so as to maintain the rate of foreign exchanges.

ANCLO-FRENCH CORDIALfTY. *(Received 9.40 a.m.) Paris, May 20. General Haig, in acknowledging General Joffre's greetings to the Oversea Forces, said it was their pride and privilege to share the dangers of a common battlefield and to defend

MR HUQHES, THE ORATOR. SPEECHES EULOGISED. (Received 10.30 a.m.) London, May 25. Mr Lloyd George has written an introduction to a smu.ll volume of Mr Hughes' English speeches, in which he says: ' 'Xo public speeches in modert. times have made such an impression ■m the British public as the series pub'ished in this book. None challenges -he power of popular appeal as exhibit<l in these virile.utterances, in speech that is the rarest gift of all, but how many are there amongst men who can interest, persuade, and move multitudes. Speeches are like shells."