NATIONS AND ARBITRATION

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 266, 20 March 1911, Page 5

NATIONS AND ARBITRATION

SPEECH BY SIR EDWARD GREY. DEFENSIVE ALLIANCE. XOT AIMED AT. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 19, 5 p.m. London, March 18. Sir Edward Grey, presiding at'the International Arbitration League dinner, acknowledged the cordial sincerity underlying Mr. Balfour's helpful words, and said he recognised that the Unionists had initiated arbitration treaties. He explained that he did not intend to convey the idea that a general arbitration treaty between two great nations would be tantamount to a defensive alliance, though if one became the object of attack, under the eircustances stated, he should think there would be strong sympathy between the two Powers. That matter was dependent on public opinion, but the introduction .of * such a condition into a treaty might impair the chances in Britain and elsewhere, and lead others to suppose the treaty was aimed at them,, thus completely spoiling its possible effect in mitigating the expenditure oii war armaments. AN IMPRESSION TO AVOID. NOT AN ANGLO-SAXON ALLIANCE. Received 19, 5 p.m. London, March 18. Mr. Ramsay Mac Donald states that while acquiescing in the readjustment of relations between the House of Lords and the House of Commons, he would strenuously oppose the preamble of the Parliament Bill, creating another second Chamber. He rejoiced at the arbitration aspirations, but said it would do more harm than good if the opinion got abroad that there was going to be an AngloSaxon Alliance, imposing its will on the whole world. The Free Churches have arranged special references to the Taft-Grey arbitration overtures in to-morrow's sermons. MR. TAFT IS DELIGHTED. Received 20, .12.25 a.m. New York, March 19. Mr. Taft is delighted with the favorable reception in England of his AngloAmerican arbitration proposals, and declares that there is every reason to hope that other nations will follow the lead of Britain, with the ultimate result of universal peace. FEELING IN THE STATES. Washington, March 17. Britain's reception of Mr. Taft's arbitration proposals has roused deep interest in the United States. General opinion seems favorable to the idea, though the Irish and German sections do not welcome the project. JAPAN UNDERSTANDS. London, March 17. Sir Edward Grey informed Earl Winterton that Japan was aware of Britain's willingness to entertain Mr. Taft's suggestion as to arbitration.