BRITAIN AND GERMANY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 131, 24 November 1911, Page 5

BRITAIN AND GERMANY

THE MOROCCAN AFFAIR.

GERMAN CHANCELLOR'S STATEMENT. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Berlin, November 22. Continuing his statement, the German Chancellor said that the same day Mr. Lloyd-George's speech was read in Berlin, Sir Edward Grey's subsequent suggestion, that he should be given permission to announce in Parliament Germany's declaration that she had no designs on Moroccan territory, was not complied with lest it should be interpreted as due to Mr. Lloyd-George's speech. The Ambassador, on the 24th, was instructed to point out that the speech furnished the occasion in a large part of the British, and in the entire French press, for violent attacks on Germany. Sir Edward Grey must perceive that this effect of the Minister's speech gave rise to dissatisfaction in Germany in a high degree. Germany's straightforward and acceptable proposal related to regions that did not affect British interests. Then followed the intimation mentioned by Herr Bethmann-Hollweg on November 9 to the effect that the Powers had been warned of the proposed despatch of the Panther. The British Government then caused a Minister to make the declaration which was interpreted as a warning to Germany, bordering on a threat. It was difficult to find grounds for the procedure, as a friendly agreement between Germany and France could not be promoted thereby. Had Britain intended to complicate and confuse the situation and bring things to a violent outburst she could have chosen no better means.

THE LATE CRISIS,

LORD BERESFORD'S ACCUSATIONS.

AND MR. McKENNA'S REBUTTAL. Received 24, 12.45 a.m. London, November 23. Admiral Lord Charles Bcresford, speaking at Southsea, said the crisis was past, but it was a blessing in disguise, suggesting the need of instant preparedness. The means was a war staff at the Admiralty. During the recent crisis the British fleet was divided, and there was no reserve of coal or oil. He mentioned the transfer of coal by rail, and added there were no military guards over magazines, dock gates or caissons, nor where the railways were liable in periods of crisis to be destroyed. There were no mine clearers for ports or fairways. Mr. McKenna, formerly First Lord of the Admiralty, interviewed, categorically denied the above, and mentioned the transfer of coal. He declared this was an experiment to ascertain whether the traffic would be dislocated.

The question of guards, added Mr. McKenna, concerned the War Office, but the allegation was obviously untrue.