ANGLO-GERMAN RELATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 196, 16 February 1912, Page 5

ANGLO-GERMAN RELATIONS.

VERBAL DUEL IX COMMONS.

PRIME MINISTER'S IMPORTANT SPEECH.

LORD HALDANE'S VISIT.

CORDIAL RELATIONS LIKELY.

By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. ■Received 15, 11.10 p.m. London, February 15.

In the House of Commons, Sir H. Verney moved and Mr. Gladstone seconded the Address-in-Reply.

A vigorous duel between Mr. Bonar law (leader of the Unionists) and Mr. Asquith (Prime Minister) occupied the rest of the debate.

Mr. Bonar Law complained that the Speech from the Throne was silent regarding Lord Haldane's mission to Germany. The country had sent an amateur in diplomacy, and Sir Edward Grey should have undertaken the mission. The whole affair was mysterious, though not without limelight. Hs asked Mr. Asquith for an explanation, and declared that an understanding with Germany was only possible if the British position was made* 'clear and unmistakable. He paid a tribute to Mr. Winston Churchill's Glasgow speech, and said if the policy was carried out in the same spirit the Government could rely upon Unionist support. He denounced the Government's failure to redeem its pledge to reconstruct the House of Lords, and said'that if Mr. Lloyd George's 6omewhat brutal threats against the doctors were carried out the Insurance Act would be entirely changed. He did not believe the Bill would ever come into operation. Mr. Asquith, recalling Mr. Bonar Law's expression, "lime-light," said that hitherto Sir E. Grey had been charged with furtiveness and subterranean diplomacy. R was a v most lamentable fact that traditional Anglo-German friendship and goodwill were seriously overclouded during the last few months, when an atmosphere of suspicion was created. Legends *hieh at other times would be dismissed as incredible were widely believed. He had been told that the masses of tfie people" of Germany firmly believed that during the summer and autumn Britain meditated and was even prepared for an aggressive attack. He was almost ashamed to have to contradict so extravagant a fiction. The very fact that such rumors had found credence, not indeed by the Government, but in the minds of many intelligent and fairminded people in Germany was a regrettable symptom.

Both governments were animated by a •imilar desire to secure a better under■tanding. During Jjiiuary the Government had an indication that the visit of a Minister to Berlin would not be unwelcome. As Lord Haldane had arranged to go to Germany in connection with the London University, the Government hastened the visit to enable him to take advantage of the suggestion of friendly and confidential communications with those controlling and guiding German policy. This involved the departure from conventional methods, but both sides felt it would be easier if they commenced informal and non-committal conversations rather than full-dress diplomatic negotiations.

Those expectations, said the Premier, had been completely realised. (Cheers.) Lord Haldane had a frank and full conversation with exalted persons in Germany. There was perfect freedom of •tatement and frankness of explanation over a wide area.

The very fact of such an interchange of riews ought to dispel the suspicion that the Government contemplated aggressive designs. He earnestly hoped, however, and might further say he genuinely believed, the conversation might have more than this negative result, but «mld not make a prediction at this stage or enter into matters of detail.. Neveriheless Lord Haldane's visit was unmistakable evidence of a sincere desire on both aides for the establishment of a better Anglo-German footing, without •ither sacrificing or impairing the special relationship wherein each stood to the other. (Cheers.) Both Governments were now engaged in a careful survey of practical possibilities. The Prime Minister heartily endorsed Mr. Bonar Law's remarks that in matters of that kind he must exercise patience.

"PROOF" OF BRITISH ANIMOSITY.

Berlin, February 14. Chauvinist newspapers allege that Sir Edward Grey's Garter is the crowning proof of British animosity to Germany.