DECLARATION OF LONDON.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 258, 10 March 1911, Page 5

DECLARATION OF LONDON.

THE ADMIRALTY OPINION. By Cable —Press Association—Copyright. London, March 8. Lord Morley, replying to Lord Selborue, said that in the opinion of the Admiralty the effect of the Declaration of London on the country and naval operations would be inconsiderable. DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS. Received 10, 12.15 a.m. London, March 9. In the House of Lords, Lord Deshborough, in initiating the debate on the Declaration of London, vigorously denounced the Declaration. Earl Desart, from the cross-benches, made a long and impressive speech. He said that the British envoys had done everything to induce foreign Governments to assist the International Prize Court. If Great Britain changed her mind bow it would imperil future negotiations. The Declaration substituted fixed rules for chaos. The conversion of merchant vessels into ships of war was a most serious point affecting Britain. If the question was one of gaining ad: vantage as neutrals or belligerents, the neutral interests must go. He supported the Declaration, believing it would largely benefit neutrals without sacrificing a single belligerent right. Lord Selborne, taking South Africa as an example, pointed out the dnnger to overseas Dominions. It was perfectly certain that an enemy's cruiser captains would claim foodstuffs to be contraband going into the British ports of South ; Africa, as undoubtedly they were bases for armed forces. He did not wonder at the representations coining from Australia, where similar circumstances might arise. It was impossible to secure the moral support of the Dominions if Britain made the agreement without consulting them. The debate was adjourned.