THE "FREEDOM OF THE SEAS"

Taranaki Daily News, 16 February 1918, Page 5

THE "FREEDOM OF THE SEAS"

STATEMENT BY LORD IIUCII CECIL. Received Feb. 15, 115 pm. London, Feb. 11. In the House of Commons, Lord Robeit Cecil, questioned regarding the German interpretation of the "freedom of the seas," said the latest pronouncement of Count Revcntlow demanded the possession of maritime and territory naval bases, whereby upon the outbreak of war she would he able to guarantee herself jumpiny-ofT places with a fair chance of dominating the seas. Therefore the possession of the Flanders seaboard was a matter of life and death to Germany. lie was not aware whether Count Revcntlow was the mouthpiece of the Government. !>"'■ 1, ~ was representative of a clique which usually exerted sway over the German Government. Mr. Bonar Taw stated that the position in Russia v.'ns obscure He declined to say whether Russia was now an allv, neutral, or enemy. Me announced that the manifesto issued after the Versailles Conference represented the views of all the Allies. MILITARY POLICY. DANGER OF A FEUD. NEW CABINET SUGGESTED. London, Feb. 14. Lord Hugh Cecil, in a letter to The Times says that there is a danger of domestic politics sinking into a feud tween Air. Asquith and Mr. Lloyd George, but an even greater danger is due to Mr. Lloyd George and General Sir William Robertson not agreeing on a certain question of military policy, though the efficient conduct of tile war depends upon their hearty sympathy and ro-operatifln. .This suggests that a new National Government should be formed, of which Mr. Asquith and Mr. Llpyd George should be members, lmt with another Premier to whom the. country would give universal support. The Central News states that although General Robertson has neither been dismissed nor resigned he may vacate his post at an early date for a position of high influence. The Daily Chronicle, however, asserts that. General Robertson will remain at the War Ofiice. PALACES FOR NATIONAL USE. London. Feb. 14. The. King has offered three palaces for national uses—Balmoral for convalescent wounded, Buckingham and Kensington Palaces as public offices. RECRUITING OF RUSSIANS STOPPED Received Feb. 13, 8.50 p.m. London, Feb. 14. Sir Auckland Geddes has announced that it has been decided in presen J circumstances to cease recruiting Russians under the Anglo-Russian military service convention.