ANGLO-RUSSIAN AGREEMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 51, 19 February 1908, Page 2

ANGLO-RUSSIAN AGREEMENT.

WISCUSSJOX IN' THE HOUBJi OF COMMONS. A saVYTESMAN'S MASTJSRLY KJiJ/U. Kecoived 18<k, 10.44 p.m. .London, February 18. In the House of Commons Earl I'ere.y moved that while welcoming the principle of the Anglo-ltussiiin Convention, the House considered the terms involved a material sacrifice of British interests, and left room for international misunderstanding.

Sir Edward tirey, Foreign Secretary, in a masterly reply, declared that the agreement made for the peace of the world, which was now more secure. He denied that Britain would sacrifice great commercial prospects in Persia. Tie admitted that strategic considerations hod been paramount with the GovernmentDanger to India through Persia was now very remote. He explained in regard to making provision respecting the Persian side of the Gulf, that in future probably the. ilesopotamian side would be' more important. The right of the Ameer to develop Afghanistan as he pleased was now restricted. The British position in Thibet remained unaltered. Mr. Balfour, ex-Premier, declared that the Government had not scored a great diplomatic success, though he admitted it would he a strategic gain if the agreement prevented Leistan becoming a base for attacking India. The night Hon. John Morley, Secretary of State for Indi:i, described the Convention as a most momentous instrument in connection with the defence of India. The motion eventually was withdrawn.