BRITISH POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 301, 21 December 1907, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

AX HOME ANJJ AKKUAD. Received 20 111, 11.44 pin. London, Jjccemocr 20. Earl Grey, in a speech at Berwick, juslitied the Hon. Mr Jjirroll refraining irom coercion, which would bring a, solution o£ the Irish disorder no nearer. . ilic Kaiser's visit to England was \ bound to have a good effect ill both countries. Referring to the proposal at The Hague to compare naval programmes with a view to a mutual reduction, that view was not yet accepted. It was well-known that the German Government was embarking on a " very large naval programme, and he added; "I have no complaint-to make, X men- 1 tion it because it is important, and not in a carping spirit. At the same time, if others increase their navies, we undoubtedly have to increase ours.There need be no rush, as the present position is perfectly secure for a year or two more, but if our neighbors largely increase their naval expenditure, it will be impossible far us to continue reductions. At present we are in such a position regarding sea power that there is no need to be alarmed at the increase in any other country's expenditure.