BRITAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 April 1916, Page 5

BRITAIN.

TRADE AFTER THE WAR, THE PARIS CONFERENCE. « DISCUSSED IN THE LORDS. Received April 12, 5.5 p.m. London, April 11. In the House of Lords, Lord Courtney asked what instructions had been given to tile British representatives at the 'Paris conference. Nothing could be more stimulating'to the Germans, whose support in the war was wavering, than the suggestion that the war on the battlefields would be followed by a war of markets, involving the undermining and destruction of German power to recover its industry and commerce. Instead of reaping the benefits of a re-establish-ment of a European partnership on the basis of recognition of mutual rights, the Conference "was likely to attempt to pursue another field, so that after, the war there would be a similar antagonism to the German people, their trade, commerce, and prosperity. Lord Bryce said it was desirable that the greatest possible caution and prudence should be exercised by the Government. He did not misunderstand the desire for permanent hostility towards the Germans. The Allies had received strong provocation, but it was unwise to allow our passion to overcome our reason. He asked: "Is not all this discussion of after-war trade relations too previous? We are trying during the war to settle a question that can only arise at the end of the war, and it is impossible to foresee the commercial conditions then prevailing. If we attempted to formulate these now we would not have any certainty that they would be workable conditions." He urged that Britain should not be committed to anything in a secret conference without full knowledge and the fullest discussion of every proposition.

LORD CREWE IN REPLY. BRITAIN'S POLICY. Lord Bryce said he hoped that the Government would do nothing that would in any way affect the absolute freedom of the people of Britain to determine their own fiscal policy. Lord Crewe said that at the end of 1915 informal conversations passed between Hie Anglo-French Governments, when France suggested Jiat it would be advantageous to arrive at a common ground on economic questions by a conference of the Allies, without sacrificing the freedom of the respective countries. The conference would discuss current matters that had arisen during the progress of the war, including the question of a joint agreement upon the prohibition of enemy trading. It had also been suggested that the conference should discuss the prohibition of exports from Britain, with a view to inflicting the least mutual inconvenience upon the Allies. The conference would also discuss questions arising after the war, including the reconstitution of the Allies' trade and securing economic independence. Lord Crewe added that he feared poison had permeated too deeply into German character for the Allies to look j forward to the epoch when they could' take down the shutters and recommence business on the old lines, as though there had only been a riot, Mr. Hughes will go to the Conference as an Imperial representative. The delegates go without instructions, except to keep their eyes and minds open and assist in exploring the subjects brought before the Conference. They are not to commit the Government to any definite action, as it is entirely agreed that it would be unwise for Britain to frame her future commercial policy upon a frantic system of revenge, careless whether she inflicted vast injury upon ourselves and the Empire, but it might be possible that some cases would arise in which it would be necessary to sacrifice some commercial advantage in order to avoid greater dangers.

RESULTS OF LAST CONCONFERENCE. BROTHERHOOD WITH ITALY. Received April 12, 9,40 p.m. London, April 11. In the House of Commons Mr. Asquith, referring to the recent great Allies' Conference in IP&ris, emphasised the fact .that the results were to reaffirm the solidarity of the Allies, establish a complete identity of their views, and ensure unity of action in the prosecution and conduct of the war. He said that hia visit to Italy was signalised by the most striking manifestation of the traditional AngloItalian friendship, which the brotherhood in arms liad served to demonstrate.

MR. HUGHES AT HOME. HIS VISIT TO iPARIS. London, April 11. A letter in the Daily Telegraph, signed by the Duchesses of Somerset and St. Albans and many society ladies, supports Mr, Hughes' visit to Paris. The letter says that perhaps Mr, (Hughes is the only man in the front rank "who 'has expressed the nation's sentiment upon the sinister, treacherous and Machiavellian economic conspiracy whereby Germany sought to destroy the communities under the British flag. THE BUDGET. SOME TAXES OPPOSED London, April 11. Members of the House of Commons severely criticised the railway ticket, match, and amusement taxeß. Mr. McKenna promised to consider the matter, and arranged to receive a deputation of match-makers. Mr. Montague hints that probably the Government will drop the railway tax. The Finance Bi". passed the second readings

TONNAGE WASTE.

»• STRONG INDICTMENT.■USE OF INTERNED SHIPS ADVOCATED. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received April 12, 5.5 p.m. London, April 11. In the House of Commons, Lord Robert Cecil said that the Government was considering the question of employin? enemy ships that are sheltering in neutral ports, but neutral Governments must first decide, taking into consideration that the destruction of merchantmen had affected neutral trade as well as that of the belligerents. The Government would carefully consider any proposals made ; by neutrals. Mr. R. P. Houston, the well-known shipowner, interviewed by the Daily Mail, said that the shortage of shipping threatens to create the war's most serious problem. Thereon depends not merely the price of foodstuffs, but whether foodstuffs could be a"ailable. The estimate of British wartime losses was 940 ships, representing three million tons. Between one-third and onehalf of the nation's food was brought to Britain by neutral ships, and if Germany frightened the neutrals, what tonnage would be left? Mr. Houston suggests the release of all ships that are not needed for national service. The restriction of the Allies' and neutrals' shipping demands that they should make use of interned enemy ships, by the seizure in neutral waters of a German ship for every neutral vessel that has been sunk. Mr. Houston indicts the Government and Admiralty for; waste of tonnage and the weak , v «* the situation. He mention , that an expert committee recently made investigations in the Mediterranean, and lie will be surprised if the report is published, because it is confirmatory of the Government's foolish tonnage waste. FRENCH PARLIAMENTARIANS. WILL VIEW THE GRAND FLEET. jj Received April 12, 9.50 p.m. London, April 12. The French parliamentarians were entertained at luncheon by the Lord Mayor, and visited the Houses of Parliament. They then departed to inspect the munition works and the Grand Fleet.

THE SPY SYSTEM. VON PAPEN'S LETTERS. Received April 13, 1.20 a.m. London, April 12. During a Prize Court hearing, Von Papon's letters were read wherein he referred to stealing a wallet from Albert, containing important documents, including extracts of his report on buying liquid chlorine, phenol, and the acquisition of the Wright aeroplane patents.

AN ALLEGED SPY. •< London, April 11. A sensational Defence of the Realm case is being heard at Sheffield. Albert Bright is charged with having attempted to secure information as to Vickers' recent ingredients of the metal used for armor plate, shells and guns. It is alleged that Bright offered Brooks, a 'Workman, £IOO for information. Brooks pretended to accept, but disclosed the offer to Vickers, who arranged a trap, and detectives arrested Bright with written information in his possession. The case was heard in camera after the opening statement. 'PAID THE PENALTY. Received April 12, 9.40 p.m. London, April 11. A' spy, who was convicted at Westminster Court in March, was shot today. • NUMBER OF RECRUITS. ■London, April 11. The Times' Parliamentary correspondent says it is understood that the Chief of the General Staff, and the military members of the Army Council have furnished the Cabinet with a definite statement of the immediate requirements in men. GERMAN PRISONER IN TROUBLE. London, April 11. A German prisoner at Knockalee Camp, Isle of Man, was attacked by his fellow prisoners and took refuge with a sentry. The other prisoners continued to molest him, and, on their refusing to obey the order to disperse, the sentries fired, wounding three.

MEMBERS OF AIR COMMITTEE RESIGN. London, April 11. Mr, Tennant, in the House of Commons, said ho rmderstood that Lords Derby and Montagu of Beaulieu had resigned from the Air Committee. He added that there were differences of opinion among the committeemen, but no friction. LAND FOR SOLDIERS AND SAILORS. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, April 11. The Government considered the Departmental Committee's Land Report and decided to establish three experimental pioneer colonies, choosing the settlers from carefully-selected sailors and soldiers.