IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 83, 16 July 1910, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

THE SHIPBUILDING VOTE.

By Cable—Press AsacKjiation.-Copyright

London, July 14.

The House of Commons is devoting tonight to the discussion of Mr. Dillon's motion for a reduction of two millions in the shipbuilding vote. The Premier said that British Dreadnoughts would never be fewer than four above those of Germany. Mr. McKenna said Canada paid for the Niobe.

SPEECH BY THE PREMIER,

MR ASQUITH ANSWERS CRITICISM. ANGLO-GERMAN RELATIONS CORDIAL. Received July 15, 10.30 p.m. London, July io,

in the House of Commons, Mr. John Dillon, in moving the reduction of the shiubuilding vote -by two millions, contended that postponement of a portion of this monstrous and unjustifiable expenditure would in no wise endanger the country. He warned his hearers against the tyranny of experts. Mr. Asqiiith replied that Cabmet was influenced only bv the interests of national safetv. He deeply regretted the suggestion that animated the hostile or aggressive feeling towards Germany. Nothing was further from the truth Our relations have been, and are, most cordial, and he anticipated a constantly increasing warmth and fervour therein. He -welcomed the various agencies <iad movements enabling the two peoples more and more to understand each other. He did not believe the German Government -would subscribe to the view that our preparations were directed against them, any more than the view that theirs were directed against us. Germany was a great world Power, with interests everywhere, and increasing. German statesmen and people honestly and legitimately believe that the increase in the navy is necessary to defend those interests. It was not for us to question whether the manner m ■which they carry out that belief is politic or wise. That is a matter for them. On our own side the Government and Parliament would be false to the nation and Empire unless they maintained an ample margin of security against all probable, even possible, risk. They must look at the world's ship building. Among the new facts that he mentioned in 1909 for justifying the Estimates was the indisputable acceleration of Germany's programme, and her increasing building capability, especially as regards speed of construction. He at the same time carefully noted the declaration by the German Government of no future acceleration. Mr. Asquith next compared the programmes, giving Germany, by April, 1912, a total of 13 Dreadoughts, and we 20. He added, in reply to a question, that the latter did not include the Australian Dreadoughts.

IS THE MARGIN EXCESSIVE?

NATIONAL SECURITY BEFORE SOCIAL REFORM.

"BE SAFE AND SOBER."

Received July 16, 12.10 a.m. London, July 15.

Mr. Asquith continued: Britain, by the spring of 1913, would have 25 Dreadnoughts, plus two colonial at the other end of the world. Germany would have 21, plus four Italian and an unknown number of Austrian. Was vlie margin, excessive? He recognised that every new Dreadnought delayed some social reform, but national security was the condition of all social reform. Hecalling how they had approached Germany with a view of reduction of shipbuilding, and how the German Navy Law stands in the way, he emphasised that the construction thereunder would be diminished after 1912. He concluded: We shall eagerly avail ourselves of every opportunity in the direction z of ship-building. Mr. Balfour remarked that Mr. Asquith had put the case at its best for us. The "Little Navy" Party had so impressed Mr. Asquith that the latter had endeavored to show that everything was going on as well as possible. No Power had ever approached so near-j ly to Britain's strength as Germany,! and the margin was inadequate, 'llie Opposition last year did the nation good! service in arousing the country to a sense of the peril wherein it stood, and I thus conduced to the peace of ihe) world. I

Lord Charles Beresford and Messrs. Barnes and Belloc spoke, Sir John McKenna winding up. He declared the Admiralty's motto was, "Be sate and sober." He added that the moment was approaching for the foundation of a second dock at Rosyth.

THE MOTION REJECTED. Received July 15, 12.50 a.m. London, July 15. Mr. Dillon's motion was rejected by 298 to 70.

PLEA FOE INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT. NO SHORT CUT AVAILABLE. Received July 15, 12.10 a.m. London, July 15. The Dailv News?, commenting on Mr. Asquith's statement, declares that there is no short cut to improving the situation. The German Navy Law must run its course. The Chronicle says tlmt international agreement is the only hope.