BRITAIN'S FOREIGN POLICY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 281, 21 November 1908, Page 2

BRITAIN'S FOREIGN POLICY.

SPEECH BY SIR EDWARD GREY. A STRONG NAVY URGED. , Received 20, 11.50 p.m. J London, November 20. Sir Edward Grey, Minister for Foreign All'airs, speaking at Scarborough, , acknowledged liie Opposition lcadc's generous support to the, Government's loreign policy. This enabled the Government to create abroad an impression of stability and solidity which was very valuable. He noted the difference between Germany and France regarding the. trivial incident in Morocco, which had been settled in a way consistent with the dignity of both countries. Referring to the crisis in Germany he noted the fact that although the speakers in the Reichstag spoke their minds with exceeding freedom, none indicated I any hostility towards Britain or any other country. Until recently the Powers despaired of Turkey, yet the modt! wonderful and beneficent change ever seen in history had now occurred there. The good forces lying latent had suddenly gained the upper hand. He noted that the reformers had tile army at their back. Sir Kiln aril Grey continued: "Britain

:1111st have and maintain a navy able to overcome any probable combination that might be brought against her. There is no half-way house between complete safetv and absolute ruin.''

Referring to the Near East, Sir Edward Grey trusted the conference "f the Powers would dispose of the difficulties there, but said: "You cannot force a conference and have a satisfactory result." He admitted that progress had been slow. Now was the desirable lime, which should not be wasted. Some progress had been made that week, because Turkey was assured ot sympathy and fair play ill' the councils of Europ'e. Further difficulties remained to be overcome, but the winter which was unfavorable to action in the Balkans was favourable to the councils. UNIONISTS TAKE BP A lITGH POSITION. Received 21, 0.10 a.m. London, November 20. !Mr. Balfour, in an address to 4500 people at Cardiff in connection with the annual conference of the National Union Conservative Association, declared that while the Government continued the traditional policy of Lords Lanadowne and Salisbury in foreign affairs, Unionists would do nothing to weaken Britain's voice in the councils of Europe.