BRITAIN AND GERMANY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9170, 19 August 1908, Page 5

BRITAIN AND GERMANY.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—Bv Electric Telegraph Copyright.

A PREMATURE AGITATION. Received August 18, 8.5 a.m. BERLIN, August 17. The journal "Suddeutsche Reichs Correspondenz," the organ of Prince Bulow, Imperial Chancellor, hints that a premature agitation for disarmament is calculated to impede British and German efforts to understand the aims of each other's naval policy. Received August 18, 11.15 p.m. BERLIN, August 18. The German Conservative newspapers are emphatic that Germany cannot even consider the question of allowing the ideas of another Power to influence her armaments. BRITAIN'S FOREIGN POLICY.

INEXPERIENCED POLITICIANS. NAVAL LOAN REPORT. Received August 18, 8.5 a.m. LONDON, August 17. "The Times" hays: —"Britain's foreign policy is too gravely vital to be removed from the high plane of statesman-like guidance by inexperienced uoliticians." The "Standard" accuses Mr LloydGeorge and Mr Churchiil of assuming charge of foreign affairs with a view to ousting Sir E. Grey. The "Telegraph" says:---"The Government is considering the offer of financiers to find one hundred million pounds on nominal terms to meet the necessities of the fleet without disorganising the annual Budgets."' This offer of aid has been caused by the renewed competition in naval armaments abroad, and was intended to show Britain's determination to maii)ti(in the two Power standard. The revenue would meet normal expenditure, and the loan fund special requirements. The "Telegraph" adds that an influential seection of the Cabinet supports acceptance of the offer*

The "Daily News" utterly discredits the naval loan report, and says:—"After speeches as to the folly of a navy scare, the country would not tolerate an increase in taxation to meet a navy panic." Received Augu3t 18, 11.7 p.m. LONDON, August 18. While not denying the possibility of some kind of a loan for a reasonable amount for navy expansion in the event of circumstances demanding it, city circles are unfavourable to such an operation, because of the effect on consols and other good securities. Careful inquiry has failed to discover the financiers alluded to in the "Telegraph V story as offering the loan. The entire Unionist press cor,sure Messrs Churchill and George for interfering with Sir E, Grey's department. Received August 18, i 1.15 p.m. LONDON, August IS. The "Express" foreshadows the ultimate issue of a naval loan in instalments. The "Westminster Gazette" favours a loan to enable the Government to fix the shipbuilding for four years, subject to modification if Germany modifies her shipbuilding programme.